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Questions and Answers
What makes estuaries important for many animal species?
What makes estuaries important for many animal species?
- Estuaries provide nesting and breeding grounds (correct)
- Estuaries have stable water composition
- Estuaries maintain consistent temperature and water currents
- Estuaries offer abundant food sources
What causes the changing water composition in estuaries?
What causes the changing water composition in estuaries?
- Seasonal variations in temperature
- Interaction with marine life
- Tidal action and water runoff from the land (correct)
- Daily changes in water currents
What defines estuaries as transitional zones?
What defines estuaries as transitional zones?
- Presence of deep sea trenches
- High salinity levels
- Merge of freshwater streams or rivers with the ocean (correct)
- Absence of animal species
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Study Notes
Importance of Estuaries
- Estuaries provide a habitat for many animal species, supporting a diverse range of plants and animals due to the mixture of fresh and saltwater
- They serve as nurseries for young fish and other species, offering a safe environment for growth and development
- Estuaries are crucial for the migration and breeding patterns of various species
Changing Water Composition
- The changing water composition in estuaries is caused by the mixing of freshwater from rivers and streams with saltwater from the ocean
- Tides and waves also influence the water composition, leading to a constant shift in salinity, temperature, and nutrient levels
- Human activities, such as pollution and dredging, can further alter the water composition in estuaries
Transitional Zones
- Estuaries are defined as transitional zones due to the gradual change from freshwater to saltwater environments
- They are characterized by a mix of terrestrial and marine influences, resulting in a unique ecosystem
- The transition from freshwater to saltwater creates a variety of habitats, including mudflats, salt marshes, and mangroves, which support a wide range of biodiversity
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