Estuarine Organisms and Adaptations

Miss Harrington discusses the challenges faced by organisms in estuaries, focusing on tidal and salinity changes. She explains how these changes affect organisms and the adaptations they have developed over time. The video covers the concepts of osmo-conformers and osmo-regulators, highlighting how different organisms manage salinity and tidal challenges. Examples include barnacles, oysters, and crabs, illustrating their unique adaptations to survive in estuarine environments.

What is one of the main challenges faced by organisms living in estuaries?

• Constant water temperature

• Changing water depth

• Abundant food supply

• Stable salinity levels

How often are estuarine areas exposed and flooded in North Carolina?

• Once a week

• Three times a day

• Twice a day

• Once a day

What happens to the salinity levels in an estuary as the tide comes in?

• Salinity levels decrease

• Salinity levels remain constant

• Salinity levels increase

• Salinity levels become unpredictable

Which organism is known to attach itself to hard surfaces to avoid being washed away?

• Fiddler crab

• Barnacle

• Sea turtle

• Jellyfish

What is the primary adaptation strategy of fiddler crabs in response to changing tides?

• Moving away from water

• Hibernating

• Attaching to rocks

• Changing color

What is the term for organisms that cannot change their internal salinity?

• Osmoregulators

• Thermoregulators

• Osmo conformers

• Hydro conformers

Which of the following is an example of an osmoregulator?

• Oyster

• Blue crab

• Sea squirt

• Barnacle

What is the main physiological adaptation of osmoregulators?

• Growing larger shells

• Excreting excess salt

• Producing more offspring

• Changing color

Which organism is an example of an osmo conformer?

• Fiddler crab

• Blue crab

• Shark

• Sea squirt

What allows osmoregulators to survive in various parts of the estuary?

• Ability to fly

• Ability to hibernate

• Ability to change color

• Ability to regulate internal salinity