Aquatic Biomes - AP Environmental Science
- What is the defining feature of estuarine ecosystems?
- Mix of fresh and saltwater. Creates brackish water with salinity between freshwater and seawater.
- What is the main threat to coral reefs?
- Coral bleaching. Caused by warming waters and pollution stress.
- Which factor primarily influences oceanic currents?
- Wind patterns. Drive global circulation patterns in oceans.
- What is the primary source of energy in deep ocean ecosystems?
- Chemosynthesis. Using chemicals instead of sunlight for energy production.
- Identify the term for areas of rapid water movement in streams.
- Rapids. Fast-flowing sections with turbulent water movement.
- Identify the zone in a lake where sunlight does not penetrate.
- Aphotic zone. Below the euphotic zone where no photosynthesis occurs.
- Identify the main type of vegetation in a marsh.
- Grasses and sedges. Herbaceous plants adapted to waterlogged soils.
- What is a major human impact on freshwater biomes?
- Pollution. Runoff introduces chemicals and excess nutrients.
- Identify the primary producers in aquatic ecosystems.
- Phytoplankton. Microscopic organisms that form base of aquatic food webs.
- Identify the zone in the ocean where most marine life is found.
- Euphotic zone. Upper sunlit layer where photosynthesis can occur.
- Identify the main contribution of wetlands to biodiversity.
- Provide habitat for diverse species. Transition zones support specialized species communities.
- Which aquatic biome has the highest biodiversity?
- Coral reefs. Support 25% of marine species despite covering less than 1% of ocean.
- What is the main limiting factor for aquatic plant growth?
- Light availability. Needed for photosynthesis in aquatic primary producers.
- State the major role of wetlands in an ecosystem.
- Water filtration and flood control. Act as natural sponges and buffer zones.
- Which adaptation is common in fish living in the aphotic zone?
- Bioluminescence. Self-produced light for communication and hunting in darkness.
- Which aquatic biome is known for its high nutrient levels?
- Estuaries. Rivers bring nutrients that accumulate in these systems.
- Identify the term for seasonal movement of lake water.
- Turnover. Seasonal mixing brings nutrients from bottom to surface.
- In which aquatic biome are mangroves typically found?
- Coastal wetlands. Salt-tolerant trees adapted to tidal environments.
- What is the primary characteristic of a freshwater biome?
- Low salt concentration. Usually defined as water with less than 1% salt.
- What is the main source of light in aquatic biomes?
- Sunlight. Penetration decreases with depth, limiting photosynthesis.
- What is the term for water's movement through a wetland?
- Hydrology. How water flows through and affects wetland ecosystems.
- Identify the primary limiting nutrient in freshwater lakes.
- Phosphorus. Often limits algal growth in freshwater systems.
- Which biome is characterized by high salinity levels?
- Marine biome. Ocean water contains about 3.5% dissolved salts.
- What is a common adaptation of organisms in estuarine environments?
- Tolerance to varying salinity. Allows survival in fluctuating salt concentrations.
- Which aquatic biome is characterized by brackish water?
- Estuaries. Where rivers meet the sea, creating mixed salinity.
- What is the primary productivity in the open ocean?
- Low primary productivity. Limited by nutrient scarcity in vast open waters.
- What is the main characteristic of a benthic zone?
- Bottom of a body of water. Where decomposers break down organic matter.
- Define the littoral zone of a freshwater biome.
- Near shore area where sunlight penetrates. Shallow area supporting most aquatic plant life.
- Identify the process by which water is lost from aquatic systems.
- Evaporation. Returns water to atmosphere in the water cycle.
- What is the main chemical component affecting ocean acidity?
- Carbon dioxide. Absorption causes ocean acidification and pH changes.
- Which type of water body is characterized by standing water?
- Lakes and ponds. Lentic systems with minimal water movement.
- What is a defining feature of the pelagic zone?
- Open water area. Away from shore in the water column.
- What is the main environmental role of mangroves?
- Coastal protection. Buffer coastlines from storms and erosion.
- What is a primary characteristic of the intertidal zone?
- Exposure to air at low tide. Organisms must adapt to alternating wet and dry conditions.
- What is the main role of decomposers in aquatic ecosystems?
- Breaking down organic matter. Essential for nutrient cycling and energy flow.
- Which aquatic biome is primarily influenced by freshwater flow?
- Rivers and streams. Lotic systems with continuous water movement.
- State the main difference between rivers and streams.
- Rivers are larger than streams. Size and flow volume distinguish these water bodies.
- Identify the largest biome on Earth by volume.
- Ocean biome. Covers about 71% of Earth's surface.
- What is the main feature of the bathyal zone?
- Low light penetration. Deep ocean zone with minimal sunlight penetration.
- What is the primary driver of tides in coastal regions?
- Moon's gravitational pull. Creates predictable rise and fall of sea levels.