Questions and Answers
What is a wetland?
What is an estuary?
The area where a freshwater stream or river merges with the ocean.
What characterizes a mangrove swamp?
An abundance of low to tall trees, especially mangrove trees.
What is the photic zone?
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What is the aphotic zone?
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What is the benthic zone?
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How does the photic zone differ from the aphotic zone?
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Study Notes
Wetlands
- An ecosystem where water covers soil or is near the surface for part of the year.
- Critical for biodiversity, water filtration, and flood protection.
Estuaries
- Areas where freshwater rivers meet the ocean.
- Serve as nurseries for various marine species, enhancing biodiversity.
Mangrove Swamps
- Tropical or subtropical marine swamps dominated by mangrove trees.
- Important for coastal protection and providing habitat for wildlife.
Photic Zone
- Regions in a body of water that receive sunlight, allowing photosynthesis.
- Typically extends to depths of around 200 meters in the ocean.
Aphotic Zone
- The part of the ocean below the photic zone, deprived of sunlight.
- Conditions are quite dark, supporting different ecosystems and organisms.
Benthic Zone
- The ocean floor or bottom surface of aquatic environments.
- Home to various organisms, including benthos like mollusks and crustaceans.
Comparison of Photic and Aphotic Zones
- Photic zone receives sufficient light for photosynthesis; essential for sustaining aquatic plants.
- Aphotic zone lacks sunlight, leading to reliance on detritus and other food sources for survival.
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Description
Test your knowledge of key ecological terms in Chapter 4. This quiz features important definitions related to wetlands, estuaries, and mangrove swamps. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding of these vital ecosystems.
