Marine Ecosystems and Coastal Wetlands Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Which type of ecosystems are mainly located in coastal areas and in the open ocean?

Urban ecosystems

Forest ecosystems

Marine ecosystems (correct)

Desert ecosystems

What do coastal wetlands provide habitat and nesting areas for?

Mammals only

Fish and wildlife (correct)

Birds only

Insects only

What is an estuary?

A region with extreme cold temperatures

A type of desert ecosystem

A high mountain ecosystem

An area where fresh water from a river mixes with salt water from the ocean (correct)

Why are estuaries considered very productive ecosystems?

They constantly receive fresh nutrients from rivers and oceans Signup and view all the answers

What is a common function of coastal wetlands other than providing habitat for wildlife?

Absorb excess rain and filter out pollutants Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic makes marine ecosystems different from freshwater ecosystems?

Adapting to changes in salinity Signup and view all the answers

Why are estuaries among the most productive ecosystems?

Because they receive fresh nutrients from rivers and oceans Signup and view all the answers

What is a major threat to coral reefs?

Temperature changes outside tropical ranges Signup and view all the answers

How do wetlands contribute to the environment?

By trapping and filtering sediments and pollutants Signup and view all the answers

Which ecosystem provides habitat for approximately one-fourth of all marine organisms?

Coral reefs Signup and view all the answers

How can understanding our impact on aquatic ecosystems help?

By reducing negative effects on the ecosystems Signup and view all the answers

What makes marine ecosystems different from freshwater ecosystems?

The presence of salt water Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason wetlands are important to fisheries in the United States?

Many of the fish caught each year use wetlands for feeding and spawning. Signup and view all the answers

Why are animals that live in estuaries adapted to varying levels of salinity?

They must be adapted to varying levels of salinity. Signup and view all the answers

What causes eutrophication in lakes with large amounts of plant nutrients?

Both feeding on decaying plants and animals and reducing oxygen dissolved in the water. Signup and view all the answers

Why are Arctic ecosystems considered marine ecosystems?

Phytoplankton form the basis of Arctic food webs. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement does not describe a function of wetlands?

Contribute to air pollution by releasing harmful gases. Signup and view all the answers

Why do animals living in estuaries need to be adapted to varying salinity levels?

To survive conditions with changing salinity. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Marine Ecosystems

Marine ecosystems consist of a diverse range of plant and animal communities, located mainly in coastal areas and the open ocean.
Organisms in coastal areas adapt to changes in water level and salinity, while those in the open ocean adapt to changes in temperature and availability of sunlight and nutrients.

Coastal Wetlands

Coastal wetlands are areas covered by salt water for all or part of the time, providing habitat and nesting areas for many fish and wildlife.
They absorb excess rain, protecting areas from flooding, and filter out pollutants and sediments.
They also provide recreational areas for boating, fishing, and hunting.

Estuaries

Estuaries are areas where fresh water from a river mixes with salt water from the ocean, forming a nutrient-rich environment.
They are very productive ecosystems due to the constant supply of fresh nutrients from the river and ocean.
Estuaries provide habitat for a multitude of plants and animals, trap and filter sediments and pollutants, reduce flood likelihood, and buffer shorelines against erosion.

Other Marine Ecosystems

Coral reefs are susceptible to destruction due to their requirement for tropical temperatures and high sunlight levels.
They provide habitat for approximately one-fourth of all marine organisms.
Marine ecosystems also include salt marshes, mangrove swamps, barrier islands, and polar ecosystems.

Human Impact on Aquatic Ecosystems

Almost every person has an impact on aquatic ecosystems, and understanding this impact can help reduce negative effects.

Wetlands and Fisheries

Wetlands are important to fisheries in the United States because many fish caught each year use wetlands for feeding and spawning.

Estuaries and Animals

Animals that live in estuaries must be adapted to varying levels of salinity.

Eutrophication

Bacteria cause eutrophication in lakes containing large amounts of plant nutrients by reducing oxygen dissolved in the water and feeding on decaying plants and animals.

Arctic Ecosystems

Arctic ecosystems are considered marine ecosystems because phytoplankton form the basis of arctic food webs.

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Description

Test your knowledge on marine ecosystems and coastal wetlands, including the plant and animal communities, adaptations to environmental changes, and the characteristics of coastal wetlands. Learn about the diverse ecosystems found in coastal areas and the open ocean.