Environmental Science Exam – Aquatic Ecosystems

Join Avery, Aria, and Olivia on an underwater adventure! Can you help them classify each of the following organisms as: plankton, nekton, benthos, or decomposers? Let's start with diatoms, a type of green algae.

• plankton

• nekton

• benthos

• decomposers

Answer explanation

Diatoms are microscopic algae that drift in water currents, making them a type of plankton. They are not capable of swimming against currents, which classifies them as plankton.

Imagine you're an ocean explorer like Kai, Priya, or David! Your mission is to classify the following organism: Bacteria. Is it a plankton, nekton, benthos, or a decomposer?

• plankton

• nekton

• benthos

• decomposers

Answer explanation

Bacteria are classified as decomposers because they break down organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. They play a crucial role in decomposition, unlike plankton, nekton, or benthos.

Tags

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Imagine you're exploring the ocean floor with Anika and Noah. Can you help them classify the following organism: clams? Are they plankton, nekton, benthos, or decomposers?

• plankton

• nekton

• benthos

• decomposers

Answer explanation

Clams are classified as benthos because they live on or in the seabed, often buried in sediment. Unlike plankton, which drift in water, and nekton, which swim freely, benthos are primarily associated with the ocean floor.

Imagine you're an ocean explorer like Arjun, Benjamin, or William! Dive into the deep blue and classify each of the following ocean organisms as: plankton, nekton, benthos, or decomposers. 10. Sponges.

• plankton

• nekton

• benthos

• decomposers

Answer explanation

Sponges are primarily found attached to the ocean floor, making them part of the benthos category. They do not swim freely like nekton or drift like plankton, and they play a role in the ecosystem as filter feeders.

Olivia and James are exploring the ocean and come across various sea creatures. Can you help them classify dolphins? Are they plankton, nekton, benthos, or decomposers?

• plankton

• nekton

• benthos

• decomposers

Answer explanation

Dolphins are classified as nekton because they are active swimmers that can move against currents, unlike plankton, which drift with water. Nekton includes larger aquatic animals that swim freely.

Imagine you're on an ocean adventure with Kai, Isla, and Abigail! Your mission is to classify the creatures you encounter. What category does the magnificent Large Bluefin tuna belong to? Is it a plankton (A), a swift nekton (B), a mysterious benthos (C), or a clever decomposer (D)?

• plankton

• nekton

• benthos

• decomposers

Answer explanation

The Large Bluefin tuna is classified as nekton (B) because it is a strong swimmer that can move independently in the water column, unlike plankton, which drift with currents.

Emma and Benjamin are exploring a magical pond! Can you help them discover which zone in this pond is known as the benthic zone?

Answer explanation

The benthic zone refers to the bottom of the pond, where organisms live on or in the sediment. This zone is crucial for nutrient cycling and supports various life forms, distinguishing it from the water column above.

Tags

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Hey explorers! Oliver, Aiden, and Elijah are on a quest to discover the secrets of the pond. Can you help them identify which zone in this pond is classified as limnetic?

Answer explanation

The limnetic zone is the open water area of the pond, where sunlight penetrates, allowing photosynthesis. It is typically found away from the shore and supports plankton and fish, distinguishing it from the littoral zone.

Arjun and Anika are exploring a magical pond. Can you help them identify which zone in this pond would be classified as littoral?

Answer explanation

The littoral zone is the area near the shore of the pond where sunlight penetrates, allowing aquatic plants to grow. Therefore, the correct choice is A, as it represents this shallow, sunlit region.

Imagine you're on a fun adventure with Benjamin, Kai, and Evelyn exploring a mysterious pond! Of the three zones in the pond shown, where do you think there would be little or no photosynthesis, but a bustling community of decomposers having a party?

• Oligotrophic

• Eutrophic

• Mesotrophic

Answer explanation

In the mesotrophic zone, nutrient levels are moderate, leading to less photosynthesis compared to eutrophic zones. This results in a greater population of decomposers that break down organic matter in the water.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

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