11 Marine Science U2T1

What is biodiversity?

• The sum of all biological variation, including genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity.

• The number of species in a specific area.

• The genetic makeup of a single species.

• The physical environment of a region.

Which type of diversity refers to the diversity of genes within a species?

• Species diversity

• Ecosystem diversity

• Genetic diversity

• Habitat diversity

What does species diversity refer to?

• The number of genes in a species

• The number of species (species richness)

• The variation in ecosystems

• The diversity of habitats

What is ecosystem diversity?

• Diversity of genes within a species

• Number of species in a region

• Variation present in the ecosystem of a region

• Genetic variation in a population

What allows marine organisms to disperse over vast distances in the ocean?

• Limited water movement

• Wide dispersal capability

• Lack of genetic connectivity

• Small ocean basins

Which habitats provide vital structural complexity for marine species?

• Deserts

• Coral reefs, kelp forests, mangrove swamps, and seagrass beds

• Urban areas

• Mountain ranges

What is the role of coastal and estuarine areas for marine species?

• They serve as deserts

• They are critical nursery habitats

• They are unsuitable for juvenile fish

• They provide no shelter

What are estuaries?

• Areas where freshwater rivers meet and mix with saltwater from the ocean

• Underwater meadows dominated by seagrass plants

• Intertidal areas with hard substrate like rocks and boulders

• Salt-tolerant trees and shrubs growing along sheltered coastlines

What role do mangroves play in coastal ecosystems?

• They are critical habitats for seahorses, dugongs, and turtles

• They provide essential breeding and nursery grounds for fish and protect the coastline from erosion

• They support diverse communities of marine organisms adapted to changing conditions

• They are areas where freshwater rivers meet and mix with saltwater

What are seagrass meadows?

• Areas where freshwater rivers meet and mix with saltwater

• Salt-tolerant trees and shrubs growing along sheltered coastlines

• Underwater meadows dominated by seagrass plants

• Intertidal areas with hard substrate like rocks and boulders