Intertidal Zone + Marine Science

Crabs and lobsters are examples of _________________ that live in the intertidal zone.

• arthropods

• mollusks

• echinoderms

• annelids

Answer explanation

Crabs and lobsters belong to the group called arthropods, characterized by their exoskeletons and jointed limbs. Mollusks, echinoderms, and annelids are different classifications and do not include these creatures.

______________ are a type of algae that are the primary producers in coastal waters.

• Phytoplankton

• Zooplankton

• Corals

• Sea urchins

Answer explanation

Phytoplankton are microscopic algae that serve as the primary producers in coastal waters, forming the base of the aquatic food web. They convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis, unlike zooplankton, corals, or sea urchins.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Sea stars and sea urchins belong to a group called ______________________.

• echinoderms

• arthropods

• mollusks

• annelids

Answer explanation

Sea stars and sea urchins are both classified as echinoderms, a group of marine animals known for their radial symmetry and unique water vascular system. The other options, such as arthropods and mollusks, refer to different animal groups.

The Asian Shore Crab ____________________ with other crab species for food which harms the native crab species.

• competes

• sings

• paints

• dances

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'competes' because the Asian Shore Crab competes with other crab species for food, negatively impacting native crab populations. The other options do not fit the context of the sentence.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

A relationship where both organisms benefit is called ______________________.

• mutualism

• parasitism

• commensalism

• predation

Answer explanation

A relationship where both organisms benefit is called mutualism. In mutualism, both species gain advantages, unlike parasitism (one benefits at the other's expense) or commensalism (one benefits, the other is unaffected).

The decorator crab covers itself with __________________________ for camouflage.

• sponges and algae

• sand and shells

• seaweed and rocks

• pebbles and leaves

Answer explanation

The decorator crab uses sponges and algae to blend into its environment, providing effective camouflage against predators. This choice is correct as it highlights the crab's unique adaptation for survival.

The __________________________ is the highest intertidal zone and is only splashed by waves but rarely covered by water.

• spray zone

• high tide zone

• middle tide zone

• low tide zone

Answer explanation

The spray zone is the highest intertidal zone, only receiving occasional splashes from waves and rarely submerged. This distinguishes it from the other zones, which are more frequently covered by water.

______________________ are non-native species that can harm Maine’s marine ecosystem by outcompeting native species.

• Invasive species

• Endangered species

• Native species

• Protected species

Answer explanation

Invasive species are non-native organisms that disrupt local ecosystems by outcompeting native species for resources, leading to ecological harm. This makes 'invasive species' the correct choice for the question.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

A ______________________ relationship is when one species benefits from living together while the other is unaffected.

• commensal

• parasitic

• mutualistic

• predatory

Answer explanation

A commensal relationship benefits one species while the other is unaffected. In contrast, parasitic relationships harm one species, mutualistic relationships benefit both, and predatory relationships involve one species preying on another.

The ____________________ tide zone is almost always covered by water for most of the day, except during extreme low tides.

• low

• middle

• high

• littoral

Answer explanation

The low tide zone is the area that is submerged most of the time, only exposed during extreme low tides. This makes 'low' the correct choice, as it accurately describes the zone that remains covered by water for most of the day.