Ocean acidity, zones, pollution, plankton

What is ocean acidification?

• A decrease in the pH of ocean water

• An increase in the pH of ocean water

• An increase in the salt content of the ocean

• A decrease in the salt content of the ocean

Ocean acidification is due mostly to the introduction of what into the water?

• Oxygen gas (O₂)

• Carbon dioxide (CO₂)

• Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄)

• Salt (NaCl)

Where does the carbon dioxide entering the oceans come from?

• oil spills

• plastic pollution

• atmospheric pollution

What happens to organisms with calcium carbonate shells in acidic water?

• Their shells become more sturdy and fortified

• The shells grow to sizes too large for the organism

• Their shells become brittle and break

What is the primary source of atmospheric pollution?

• Agricultural runoff

• Deforestation

• Burning fossil fuels

• Volcanic eruptions

What effect does ocean acidification have on coral reefs?

• It promotes coral growth

• It causes coral bleaching

• It makes corals more resilient to temperature changes

• It weakens coral skeletons

What is coral bleaching?

• The process by which corals lose their coloration due to algae overgrowth

• The process by which corals expel their zooxanthellae, leading to a loss of color

• The process by which corals gain pigmentation from surrounding organisms

• The process by which corals absorb excess nutrients, resulting in discoloration

Which of the following best describes zooxanthellae?

• Microscopic algae that live symbiotically within coral tissues

• Tiny fish that live within coral polyps

• Parasitic organisms that feed on coral mucus

• Predatory organisms that prey on coral larvae

What role do zooxanthellae play in the coral's health?

• They provide corals with structural support

• They serve as a food source for coral polyps

• They produce oxygen through photosynthesis and provide corals with nutrients

• They protect corals from predators and pathogens

Which environmental stressors can trigger coral bleaching?

• Decreased salinity

• Increased water clarity

• Decreased water temperature

• Increased water temperature