Aquatic Ecosystems Quiz

Small-scale winds occurring near bodies of water, caused by the difference in heating rates between land and water.

A type of breeze that occurs when the land is cooler than the ocean, typically during evenings in fall and winter.

Massive circular current systems in the ocean, driven by Earth's rotation and global wind patterns. They influence temperature, salinity, and nutrient distribution.

The upward movement of ocean water, caused by winds.

The difference in heating rates between land and water, causing winds in coastal areas.

A force that deflects moving objects, such as winds and ocean currents, to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.

The overall weather patterns of a region over a long period of time.

The state of the atmosphere at a particular time, such as temperature, precipitation, and wind.

The deepest part of the ocean, characterized by extreme pressure, darkness, cold temperatures, and low nutrient levels.

The amount of salt dissolved in a body of water.

The measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, with a pH of 7 being neutral.

The amount of light available in a given environment. This is crucial for photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert light into energy.

The process by which plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create their own food (sugar).

A coastal area where freshwater from rivers mixes with saltwater from the ocean, creating a unique habitat with brackish water.

A shallow body of water that is submerged in water for part of or all of the year, supporting emergent vegetation. Examples include marshes, swamps, and bogs.

The area of a lake where sunlight penetrates, allowing for photosynthesis by algae and phytoplankton.

The deep, dark area of a lake where sunlight does not penetrate, resulting in oxygen-poor conditions.

A land area that collects rainfall and snowmelt, directing it to a single point such as a river, lake, or ocean.

The interconnectedness of aquatic ecosystems, where water flows from one to another, influencing their conditions and biodiversity.

A specific type of wetland characterized by salt-tolerant trees, such as mangroves, that grow in intertidal zones.

A type of wetland characterized by seagrasses, which are submerged aquatic plants that provide habitat and food for marine life.

The change in salinity as you move deeper in the ocean. Salinity is the amount of dissolved salt in water. Salinity increases with depth because surface water is diluted by freshwater sources, while deeper layers are less affected by this dilution.

The process where ocean water gets more acidic due to increased carbon dioxide levels. Carbon dioxide dissolves in water and forms carbonic acid, lowering the pH of the ocean.

The process where warm surface water of a lake cools, becomes denser, and sinks, forcing colder water from the bottom to rise. This brings nutrients up from the depths and replenishes the surface layers.

A phenomenon where coral reefs lose their vibrant colors and die due to stress caused by factors like increased water temperature, pollution, and ocean acidification.

The amount of dissolved nutrients in water, like nitrates and phosphates. These nutrients are essential for the growth of phytoplankton, the base of the aquatic food chain.

Excess nutrients, mainly nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizers, enter waterways, causing excessive algae growth (blooms).

Algae blooms can become so dense they block sunlight, leading to the death of underwater plants.

Dead algae decompose, using up oxygen in the water, creating a low-oxygen environment harmful to marine life.

Dams can trap sediments, which contain nutrients vital for aquatic food chains. This reduction in nutrients downstream can impact ecosystems.

Mangrove forests are important nurseries for fish, providing shelter and food for young fish.

Mangrove forests play a crucial role in protecting coastlines from erosion. Their extensive root systems act as natural barriers, stabilizing the shoreline and preventing the loss of land.

Mangrove ecosystems are incredibly resilient to flooding due to their unique ability to absorb and store large amounts of water. Their thick sediment layers act like sponges, reducing the impact of storm surges and rising sea levels.

The destruction of mangrove forests for urban development or agricultural purposes leads to the loss of essential ecological services, including coastal protection, flood control, and habitat for diverse marine life.

The Florida Everglades is renowned for its vast mangrove habitat, encompassing a larger area than any other mangrove ecosystem in the world.

Wetlands, including mangrove habitats, are experiencing significant decline due to human activities, primarily urbanization and agriculture. Over the past century and a half, Florida has witnessed a 44% reduction in wetland acreage.

Mangroves are critical for the health of ocean food webs. They provide essential nursery grounds for countless fish species, and their destruction disrupts this delicate balance, leading to a decline in fish populations and potential fisheries collapse.

Overfishing, especially when driven by highly efficient and unregulated fishing technologies, depletes fish stocks at alarming rates. The tragedy of the commons arises when no single nation feels responsible for protecting shared resources, leading to unsustainable exploitation.

Keystone species play a disproportionately large role in maintaining ecosystem balance. Their loss can trigger a cascade of negative impacts, including biodiversity loss. The hunting of sea otters in California, for example, led to a trophic cascade and the decline of kelp forests.