Impact of Ocean Ecosystems on Life

David Wallace-Wells discusses the dire state of coral reefs, predicting their extinction by 2050 due to rapid and catastrophic impacts. He highlights the ongoing global mass extinction, with significant declines in vertebrate mammals and insect populations. The ocean is particularly vulnerable, facing threats from pollution and changing ecosystems. The ocean plays a crucial role in absorbing heat, mitigating climate change, but is being transformed by rising temperatures.

What is the predicted fate of coral reefs by 2050?

• They will partially recover.

• They will face total extinction.

• They will thrive and expand.

• They will remain unchanged.

What percentage of vertebrate mammals have died since 1970 according to the World Wildlife Fund?

• 30%

• 50%

• 60%

• 70%

By how much have insect populations reportedly declined over the last few decades?

• 50%

• 90%

• 25%

• 75%

Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a vulnerable ocean system?

• Coral reefs

• Mountain ranges

• Circulation patterns

• Fish populations

What is a major pollutant affecting the oceans?

• Chemical waste

• Oil spills

• Noise pollution

• Plastic

How will ocean ecosystems change according to the transcript?

• They will transform dramatically.

• They will become more diverse.

• They will remain stable.

• They will slowly evolve.

What impact will the transformation of ocean ecosystems have on fishermen?

• They will find fishing easier.

• They will face no changes.

• They will need to adapt to new fish communities.

• They will catch more fish.

What role do oceans play in global warming?

• They cool the planet significantly.

• They increase global temperatures.

• They absorb a lot of the warming.

• They have no effect.

What would happen to the planet's temperature without the oceans?

• It would be several degrees warmer.

• It would remain the same.

• It would fluctuate more.

• It would be cooler.

How has the ocean been affected by absorbing additional heat?

• It has been transformed by temperature changes.

• It has become cooler.

• It has become more acidic.

• It has remained stable.