Impact of Humans on Marine Biomes- Summer 2 - Lesson 3

What is a marine biome?

• A type of forest found in cold climates

• A large area of saltwater, like oceans and seas, with its own plants and animals

• A desert with very little rainfall

• A mountain covered in snow

Answer explanation

A marine biome refers to large areas of saltwater, such as oceans and seas, which host diverse plants and animals. This distinguishes it from forests, deserts, and mountains, making the second choice the correct answer.

Which of the following is NOT a type of marine biome?

• Coral reef

• Open ocean

• Rainforest

• Estuary

Answer explanation

The rainforest is a terrestrial biome, while coral reefs, open oceans, and estuaries are all types of marine biomes. Therefore, the correct answer is rainforest, as it does not belong to the marine category.

What is the main cause of coral bleaching in marine biomes?

• Too much rain

• Warmer sea temperatures caused by climate change

• More fish in the water

• Increased wind speed

Answer explanation

Coral bleaching primarily occurs due to warmer sea temperatures caused by climate change. Elevated temperatures stress corals, leading them to expel the symbiotic algae they rely on for nutrients, resulting in bleaching.

How does plastic pollution mainly affect marine animals?

• It makes the water taste sweet

• Animals can mistake plastic for food and eat it, which can harm or kill them

• It makes the water warmer

• It helps them build homes

Answer explanation

Plastic pollution mainly affects marine animals because they can mistake plastic for food. Ingesting plastic can lead to serious health issues or even death, making this the most significant impact of plastic in marine environments.

Which human activity is most responsible for oil spills in the ocean?

• Planting trees

• Fishing with nets

• Transporting oil by ships

• Building sandcastles

Answer explanation

Transporting oil by ships is the primary human activity responsible for oil spills, as accidents during loading, unloading, or transit can lead to significant leaks into the ocean.

What is overfishing?

• Catching more fish than can be replaced naturally

• Fishing with a rod and line

• Only catching small fish

• Fishing in rivers

Answer explanation

Overfishing occurs when fish are caught at a rate faster than they can reproduce, leading to a decline in fish populations. The correct choice highlights this unsustainable practice, while the other options do not define overfishing.