Unit 9 Test

Hey explorers! Dive into the icy world of polynyas and select all the true statements about these fascinating open water areas where life loves to gather. Can you help Mason, Kai, and Avery uncover the secrets of polynyas?

• Polynyas are active open water areas surrounded by ice, where life congregates.

• The water is cold

• There is no oxygen in the water.

• Summer season increases upwelling and phytoplankton blooms

Answer explanation

Polynyas are indeed areas of open water surrounded by ice, supporting diverse marine life. The summer season promotes upwelling, leading to phytoplankton blooms, which are crucial for the ecosystem. The other statements are incorrect.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Imagine you're on an exciting Arctic adventure with Zoe, Avery, and Ethan! Where would you most likely spot a polar bear enjoying the icy landscape?

• North Pole

• South Pole

• Caribbean

• Equator

Answer explanation

Polar bears are native to the Arctic region, primarily found around the North Pole. They thrive in icy landscapes, making the North Pole the most likely place to spot them, unlike the South Pole, Caribbean, or Equator.

Abigail and Benjamin are having a friendly debate about whales. Abigail says, "Hey Benjamin, do you know what sets Myseceti apart from Odontoceti?"

• Mysteciti are toothless, baleen whales while Odontoceti have teeth.

• Odontoceti are toothless, baleen whales while Mysteciti have teeth.

• Mysteciti breathe air and odontoceti do not.

• Mysteciti and Odontoceti belong to different classes.

Answer explanation

The correct choice states that Mysteceti are toothless, baleen whales, while Odontoceti have teeth. This accurately describes the key difference between these two suborders of whales.

Ahoy, ocean explorers! Can you guess which of the following is NOT a trait of our fin-tastic marine mammal friends? Dive into the options and see if you can spot the odd one out!

• gills

• hair

• warm blooded

• nurse young

Answer explanation

Marine mammals, like whales and dolphins, do not have gills; they breathe air through lungs. In contrast, gills are a trait of fish. The other options—hair, being warm-blooded, and nursing young—are all traits of marine mammals.

Hey ocean explorers! Benjamin, Evelyn, and Maya are on a mission to protect our marine friends. Can you help them by identifying which act was enacted to legally protect Marine Mammals like dolphins, whales, and walruses?

• Marine Mammals Protection Act of 1972

• International Whaling Commision

• Marine Fish Clause of 1984

• Legal Marine Mammal Amendment of 1999

Answer explanation

The Marine Mammals Protection Act of 1972 was enacted to protect marine mammals like dolphins, whales, and walruses from harassment, hunting, and capture, making it the correct choice for this question.

Abigail the dolphin is on a mission to find her favorite snack in the ocean! She uses a natural version of sonar to locate her prey by interpreting echoes of sound waves that bounce off nearby objects. What is this amazing ability called?

• Echolocation

• Sonar

• Sound Radar

• Sound Predation

Answer explanation

Abigail uses echolocation, a natural ability to interpret sound wave echoes, to locate her prey. This skill allows her to navigate and find food in the ocean, making 'Echolocation' the correct answer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

Arjun and Oliver are exploring the icy waters of the polar oceans. What special adaptation do marine mammals have to keep them warm in these chilly waters?

• Blubber

• Echolocation

• Gills

• Streamlined bodies

Answer explanation

Marine mammals have a thick layer of blubber, which is a type of fat that insulates their bodies and helps retain heat in the cold polar waters, making it essential for their survival in such frigid environments.

Harper, Avery, and Kai are exploring the animal kingdom! Can you help them figure out which of the following is not a pinniped?

• Otter

• Walrus

• Seal

• Sea lion

Answer explanation

The otter is not a pinniped; it belongs to a different family of marine mammals. Pinnipeds include walruses, seals, and sea lions, which are characterized by their flippers and adaptations for life in the water.

During a fun day at the aquarium, Daniel, Luna, and Nora learned about the harp seal, a true seal. Can you help them figure out which subgroup this adorable seal belongs to?

• Phocidae

• Otarridae

• Odobenidae

• Mysticeti

Answer explanation

The harp seal is a true seal, which belongs to the family Phocidae. This distinguishes it from other groups like Otarridae (sea lions), Odobenidae (walruses), and Mysticeti (baleen whales).

Sophia and Ethan are on an Arctic adventure! They spot a walrus basking on the ice. Can you help them figure out which subgroup this magnificent creature belongs to?

• Obodenidae

• Otarridae

• Phocidae

• Mysticeti

Answer explanation

The walrus belongs to the family Odobenidae, which includes only the walrus species. The other options, Otarridae (sea lions), Phocidae (true seals), and Mysticeti (baleen whales), do not include walruses.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-2