Ocean Exploration and Biodiversity

What is the primary mission of NOAA's ship, Okeanos Explorer?

• To transport goods across the ocean

• To conduct fishing operations

• To map the entire ocean floor

• To explore unknown areas of the ocean and collect baseline information

How do corals contribute to marine biodiversity in the Mariana Trench?

• By producing oxygen

• By cleaning the ocean water

• By creating habitats that increase species richness

• By providing food for fish

What analogy is used to describe the role of corals in the ocean?

• Corals are like trees in a forest, providing habitats

• Corals are like clouds, providing shade

• Corals are like the sun, providing energy

• Corals are like mountains, providing stability

Why are some deep-sea organisms considered valuable for medical research?

• They are easy to catch

• They have unique chemical defenses that can be used to develop drugs

• They are abundant and easy to study

• They are known to live long lives

What unexpected discovery was made during the deep-sea expedition?

• A new species of whale

• A new underwater volcano

• A massive sponge and coral habitat

• A sunken pirate ship