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