Marine Trivia

Which ecosystem is this? : Generally located in shallow, tropical waters; very high species diversity; most species rely in some way on the polyp-like keystone species

• Estuary

• Open ocean

• Wetlands

• Coral reefs

Which ecosystem is this? : This is the largest marine ecosystem, and covers most of Earth's surface area; it includes all marine environments that are far from shore and that are still close enough to the surface to receive sunlight

• Deep sea

• Open ocean

• Intertidal zone

• Coral reefs

Which ecosystem is this? : These ecosystems are the areas of shorelines that are left uncovered during low tide but which are underwater during high tide; they are usually rocky, but in tropical areas they may be sandy; organisms that live here need to adapt to the waves, the sun, and both marine and land predators

• Deep sea

• Open ocean

• Intertidal zone

• Coral reefs

Which of the following is true of estuary ecosystems?

• They are often referred to as the "nurseries of the sea"

• They often do not have enough nutrients for plants to survive

• They often do not provide enough food for carnivores such as seabirds

• They are not affected by expanding cities and human development

Which of the following species would you expect to find in an estuary?

• Oysters

• Giant squid

• Reef shark

• Blue whale

The base of the food web in open ocean ecosystems is:

• Mangrove trees

• Phytoplankton

• Sea grass

• Zooplankton

Which of these organisms would you NOT expect to find in the deep sea?

• Viper fish

• Dumbo octopus

• Vampire squid

• Leatherback sea turtle

Which of the following describes a benefit provided by marine wetlands?

• The protect the shorelines from flooding and erosion, especially during storms

• Act as a crucial pathway for human travel

• Cause additional erosion to occur, as well as turn seawater muddy

• Provide a source of minerals such as magnesium and copper

All of the following are factors that organisms in intertidal zones need to deal with EXCEPT:

• Extremely high salinity as tide pools evaporate

• Extreme changes in temperature

• Constant wind and waves

• Low levels of sunlight

Which of the following is a predator that targets intertidal zone organisms during low tide?

• Great white shark

• Dolphins

• Octopus

• Seagulls