Aquatic Science: Types of Aquatic Environments

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is an example of a freshwater body in Malaysia?

Thames River Estuary

Hudson River Estuary

Kenyir Lake (correct)

Mekong River

Which type of aquatic environment is characterized by estuaries and brackish seas?

Ponds

Mangroves (correct)

Lakes

Rivers

What do watersheds encompass?

The geographic boundaries of a water body and the land that drains to it (correct)

Only rivers and streams

Only wetlands and ponds

Only estuaries and brackish seas

In which type of aquatic environment can you find ices such as icebergs and snows?

Freshwater Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a brackish-water body in Malaysia?

Klang + Gombak Rivers Estuary Signup and view all the answers

What land areas can a watershed be as large as?

The land that drains into the Great Lakes Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between seawater and freshwater?

Taste Signup and view all the answers

What is the freezing point of seawater compared to freshwater?

Seawater freezes at -1.9°C, while freshwater freezes at 0°C Signup and view all the answers

What contributes to the salty taste of seawater?

Rains and streams transport minerals to the sea Signup and view all the answers

Which gas is involved in the nutrient cycle of the oceans?

Nitrogen Signup and view all the answers

Where is the densest water found?

In Southern Ocean Signup and view all the answers

What is the pH level of seawater compared to freshwater?

Seawater is slightly alkaline, while freshwater has a neutral pH Signup and view all the answers

What process creates deep ocean currents in seawater?

Difference in seawater densities Signup and view all the answers

What are the units used to measure salinity in seawater?

[ppt] (parts per thousand) Signup and view all the answers

What is the proportion of salt content in all the oceans?

~71% Signup and view all the answers

What contributes to the dissolved gases in seawater?

[CO₂] used in photosynthesis to produce O₂ Signup and view all the answers

Which category of aquatic life is adapted to deep-water pressure and cannot survive in the upper parts of the water column?

Benthos Signup and view all the answers

What type of plankton feeds on phytoplankton?

Zooplankton Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic distinguishes nekton from plankton and benthos?

Can actively swim against the current Signup and view all the answers

What do phytoplankton and zooplankton have in common?

Both require microscope aid to see Signup and view all the answers

What serves as the energy source for benthos in the ocean?

Organic matter from higher up in the water column Signup and view all the answers

What type of aquatic life appears as a green discoloration of the water due to the presence of chlorophyll within their cells?

Phytoplankton Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of Earth's oceans' primary productivity?

Phytoplankton blooms Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributes to the high level of organic matter and abundant plant growth in eutrophic marine environments?

High levels of nutrients Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between eutrophic and oligotrophic marine environments?

Eutrophic environments have low rates of primary productivity Signup and view all the answers

How does algal density affect the heating of lakes?

More algae leads to less heat due to reflection Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of fish predation in cooling lakes?

To regulate zooplankton grazing Signup and view all the answers

What effect does global warming have on lakes?

Clearer lakes due to increased forest fires and nutrient transport Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of fish schooling in aquatic environments?

To function as an anti-predation mechanism Signup and view all the answers

What is the behavior exhibited by 'anadromous' fish?

"Migration" Signup and view all the answers

What defines a dead zone in aquatic environments?

"O₂ levels below 2ppm" Signup and view all the answers

What are the two principal categories of producers in marine environments?

Pelagic phytoplankton and benthic algae Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Freshwater Bodies

Tasik Chini is an example of a freshwater body in Malaysia.

Brackish-Water Bodies

Estuaries and brackish seas are characterized by a mix of freshwater and seawater.
The Danga Bay is an example of a brackish-water body in Malaysia.

Watersheds

Watersheds encompass entire land areas, including rivers, streams, and lakes.
Watersheds can be as large as entire continents.

Aquatic Environments

Icebergs and snows can be found in polar regions.
Estuaries, brackish seas, and mangrove swamps are characterized by mix of freshwater and seawater.
Deep ocean currents are created by thermohaline circulation.

Properties of Seawater

Seawater has a higher freezing point than freshwater (−1.8°C compared to 0°C).
The main difference between seawater and freshwater is the presence of high concentrations of dissolved salts.
Seawater has a pH level around 8.1, slightly higher than freshwater.
Salinity is measured in units of parts per thousand (ppt).
The proportion of salt content in all oceans is around 3.5%.

Nutrient Cycle

Oxygen is involved in the nutrient cycle of the oceans.

Ocean Currents

Densest water is found at the bottom of the ocean.
Deep ocean currents are driven by changes in temperature and salinity.

Aquatic Life

Deep-sea fish are adapted to deep-water pressure and cannot survive in the upper parts of the water column.
Zooplankton feeds on phytoplankton.
Nekton is characterized by its ability to move freely through the water column.
Phytoplankton and zooplankton are both small and floating.
Benthos obtains energy from detritus and organic matter.
Phytoplankton appears as a green discoloration of the water due to the presence of chlorophyll.

Primary Productivity

Phytoplankton is the primary source of Earth's oceans' primary productivity.
High levels of nutrients and abundant plant growth characterize eutrophic marine environments.
Eutrophic marine environments have a high level of organic matter, while oligotrophic environments have a low level.
Algal density affects the heating of lakes.
Fish predation helps cool lakes by controlling algal growth.
Global warming affects lakes by increasing water temperatures and reducing oxygen levels.

Fish Behavior

Fish schooling is a behavior that provides protection and increases foraging success.
Anadromous fish migrate from saltwater to freshwater to breed.

Dead Zones

Dead zones are areas where oxygen levels are too low to support most life.

Producers

The two principal categories of producers in marine environments are phytoplankton and benthic algae.

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Description

Test your knowledge of aquatic environments with this quiz covering freshwater and marine habitats, water chemistry, and the water cycle. Learn about the characteristics of different aquatic ecosystems and their importance in daily life.