Podcast
Questions and Answers
Why are estuaries particularly supportive environments for marine organisms?
Why are estuaries particularly supportive environments for marine organisms?
- They are isolated from tidal influences, promoting calm conditions.
- They are consistently deep, allowing diverse habitats.
- They contain stable, high-salinity water, ideal for marine life.
- They receive abundant light for photosynthesis and plentiful nutrients. (correct)
Which factor allows sunlight to reach the bottom of an estuary, supporting plant life?
Which factor allows sunlight to reach the bottom of an estuary, supporting plant life?
- The extreme water depth.
- The high density of plankton.
- The shallow water depth. (correct)
- The lack of sediment.
How do oysters, barnacles, and clams obtain food in estuaries?
How do oysters, barnacles, and clams obtain food in estuaries?
- By preying on small fish.
- By filtering plankton out of the water. (correct)
- By consuming rooted plants.
- By absorbing nutrients directly from the sediment.
What adaptation is crucial for organisms living in estuaries due to the mixing of fresh and salt water?
What adaptation is crucial for organisms living in estuaries due to the mixing of fresh and salt water?
Besides ecological support, what other advantages do estuaries offer that make them attractive for human settlement?
Besides ecological support, what other advantages do estuaries offer that make them attractive for human settlement?
Why are estuaries vital as nurseries for many marine species?
Why are estuaries vital as nurseries for many marine species?
How does the plant life in estuaries contribute to the ecosystem's health?
How does the plant life in estuaries contribute to the ecosystem's health?
What impact does the high nutrient supply in estuaries have on plankton populations?
What impact does the high nutrient supply in estuaries have on plankton populations?
Which of the following is a primary source of nutrients in estuaries?
Which of the following is a primary source of nutrients in estuaries?
How might increased coastal development near an estuary negatively affect the estuarine ecosystem?
How might increased coastal development near an estuary negatively affect the estuarine ecosystem?
Which of the following best describes the role of estuaries in mitigating coastal erosion?
Which of the following best describes the role of estuaries in mitigating coastal erosion?
What could be a consequence of decreased freshwater inflow into an estuary due to upstream damming?
What could be a consequence of decreased freshwater inflow into an estuary due to upstream damming?
How do estuaries contribute to the overall health of the ocean?
How do estuaries contribute to the overall health of the ocean?
What is a potential effect of rising sea levels on estuarine ecosystems?
What is a potential effect of rising sea levels on estuarine ecosystems?
In terms of biodiversity, how do estuaries compare to other ecosystems?
In terms of biodiversity, how do estuaries compare to other ecosystems?
How does the presence of rooted plants specifically benefit the water quality in estuaries?
How does the presence of rooted plants specifically benefit the water quality in estuaries?
Which long-term impact might result from the continuous removal of mangrove forests in estuarine areas?
Which long-term impact might result from the continuous removal of mangrove forests in estuarine areas?
What would be the most direct consequence of nutrient over-enrichment (eutrophication) in an estuary?
What would be the most direct consequence of nutrient over-enrichment (eutrophication) in an estuary?
In what way do estuarine environments assist in carbon sequestration?
In what way do estuarine environments assist in carbon sequestration?
If a new invasive species of filter-feeder is introduced into an estuary, what is the most likely initial impact on the local ecosystem?
If a new invasive species of filter-feeder is introduced into an estuary, what is the most likely initial impact on the local ecosystem?
Flashcards
What are estuaries?
What are estuaries?
Areas where rivers meet the sea, mixing fresh and saltwater.
Why are estuaries so productive?
Why are estuaries so productive?
Sunlight penetrates shallow waters, and rivers carry nutrients from land.
What organisms do light and nutrients support in estuaries?
What organisms do light and nutrients support in estuaries?
Rooted plants and plankton.
How do oysters and clams feed in estuaries?
How do oysters and clams feed in estuaries?
Signup and view all the flashcards
What is salinity tolerance?
What is salinity tolerance?
Signup and view all the flashcards
Why are estuaries ideal for ports?
Why are estuaries ideal for ports?
Signup and view all the flashcards
Study Notes
- Estuaries are home to numerous marine organisms due to sufficient light for photosynthesis and nutrients for plants and animals.
- Rivers carry nutrients into estuaries that have been washed from the land, and the shallow water allows sunlight to reach the bottom.
- Light and nutrients encourage large populations of plankton and rooted plants.
- Plankton is a food source for larger animals such as fish.
- Estuaries serve as a feeding ground for marine mammals like dolphins, manatees, and seals.
- Oysters, barnacles, and clams filter plankton from the water and are anchored to marsh grass or rocks.
- Estuarine organisms can withstand salinity variations as fresh and salt water mix with the tides.
- Estuaries offer sheltered harbors, ocean access, and river connections.
- Many major world ports are located on estuaries.
- 6 of the 10 largest urban areas in the world were built on estuaries: Tokyo, New York, Shanghai, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, and Bombay.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
