1.
Which ocean basin has the most coral reefs?
Correct Answer
B. Pacific
Explanation
The Pacific Ocean basin has the most coral reefs. This is because the Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean in the world, covering a vast area and providing a suitable environment for the growth of coral reefs. The warm waters, abundant sunlight, and favorable conditions in the Pacific Ocean support the development and diversity of coral reefs in this region.
2.
The wandering albatross is the world's biggest seabird. How wide is its wingspan?
Correct Answer
B. 3.4 m
Explanation
The correct answer is 3.4 m. The wandering albatross has the largest wingspan of any seabird, measuring 3.4 meters wide. This wide wingspan allows the bird to glide effortlessly over the ocean for long periods of time, covering great distances in search of food.
3.
How many different ways can marine worms reproduce?
Correct Answer
D. 18
4.
About how many sharks are hunted by people every year?
Correct Answer
C. 100 million
Explanation
Every year, approximately 100 million sharks are hunted by people. This high number is due to the demand for shark fins, which are used in traditional medicine and in the production of shark fin soup. Additionally, sharks are often caught as bycatch in fishing nets or targeted for their meat and other body parts. This large-scale hunting has led to a significant decline in shark populations worldwide and has disrupted marine ecosystems.
5.
Which slinky cephalopod is the biggest?
Correct Answer
C. Colossal squid
Explanation
The colossal squid is the largest slinky cephalopod. It is known for its massive size and can grow up to 14 meters long, making it larger than other cephalopods like the giant octopus, Humboldt squid, and giant squid. The colossal squid also has the largest eyes of any known creature, which helps it in its deep-sea habitat.
6.
What is the fastest known marine animal?
Correct Answer
A. Sailfish
Explanation
The sailfish is considered the fastest known marine animal. It is known for its incredible speed and agility, capable of swimming at speeds up to 68 miles per hour. It has a long, slender body and a large dorsal fin or "sail" that can be raised or lowered. This unique feature allows the sailfish to move swiftly through the water, making it one of the fastest predators in the ocean.
7.
Zooplankton are an important part of almost all marine food webs. In which part of the water column are zooplankton most abundant?
Correct Answer
D. Epipelagic- the sunny surface
Explanation
Zooplankton are most abundant in the epipelagic zone, which is the sunny surface of the water column. This is because sunlight penetrates this zone, allowing for photosynthesis to occur and providing a source of food for zooplankton. Additionally, the epipelagic zone is also rich in nutrients, which further supports the growth and abundance of zooplankton.
8.
Which marine mammals have the thickest coat of fur?
Correct Answer
A. Polar bears
Explanation
Polar bears have the thickest coat of fur among these marine mammals. This is because they live in extremely cold environments, such as the Arctic, where they need a thick layer of insulation to keep warm. Their fur is made up of two layers: a dense undercoat and longer guard hairs. This combination helps to trap air and provide excellent insulation, keeping the polar bears warm even in freezing temperatures.
9.
Which of these marine animals is NOT a jellyfish?
Correct Answer
B. Comb jelly
Explanation
A comb jelly is not a jellyfish because it belongs to a different phylum called Ctenophora, while jellyfish belong to the phylum Cnidaria. Although both comb jellies and jellyfish are gelatinous marine animals, they have distinct differences in their anatomy and behavior. Comb jellies possess rows of cilia that they use for locomotion, while jellyfish have tentacles with stinging cells called nematocysts. Additionally, comb jellies do not have a centralized nervous system like jellyfish do. Therefore, the comb jelly is the correct answer as it is not classified as a jellyfish.
10.
What color is a lobster?
Correct Answer
D. All of the above
Explanation
Lobsters can be found in various colors, including brown, red, and blue. Therefore, the correct answer is "all of the above" as lobsters can be any of these colors depending on their species, age, and habitat.