Seagrass Ecosystem Knowledge Assessment

The video discusses seagrass meadows, comparing them to terrestrial grasslands. Seagrasses are flowering plants that thrive in shallow, low-energy coastal waters, primarily in tropical regions. They require high light levels for photosynthesis and are sensitive to water turbidity and wave energy. Seagrasses are found globally, except at the poles, and are most diverse in the Coral Triangle. They grow in soft sediments and are grazed by marine herbivores like dugongs and turtles.

What is a seagrass meadow compared to in terrestrial environments?

• Grasslands of Africa

• Mountains of Europe

• Forests of South America

• Deserts of Africa

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of seagrasses?

• They are algae.

• They are flowering plants.

• They are higher plants.

• They live submerged in seawater.

Where do seagrasses typically occur?

• In deep ocean trenches

• Below mangroves in tropical habitats

• In desert oases

• On mountain tops

Which region is known for the highest diversity of seagrass species?

• The Coral Triangle

• The Arctic Circle

• The Sahara Desert

• The Amazon Basin

Which of the following is NOT a large grazer found in seagrass beds?

• Lions

• Turtles

• Manatees

• Dugongs

What type of sediments do seagrasses prefer for growth?

• Rocky cliffs

• Soft sediments like muds and sands

• Concrete surfaces

• Metallic surfaces

In which type of water conditions can seagrasses thrive?

• High wave energy coasts

• Turbid waters

• Clear waters with low wave energy

• Polluted waters

What is essential for seagrasses to perform photosynthesis?

• High temperatures

• High wave energy

• High light levels

• High salinity

What happens to seagrasses in areas with increased water turbidity?

• They thrive and grow rapidly.

• They change color.

• They tend to decline due to reduced photosynthesis.

• They are unaffected.

What is the main reason seagrasses are not found in high wave energy areas?

• They prefer colder temperatures.

• They require rocky surfaces.

• They need high salinity.

• They are uprooted by strong waves.