End Of Coastal Unit Exam Practice

Scavengers and decomposers have different roles in the process of breaking down organic matter. Scavengers, such as vultures and hyenas, consume the organic debris, especially animal remains, as a source of food. On the other hand, decomposers, which are bacteria and fungi, play a crucial role in breaking down the remaining organic matter into simpler substances, thus completing the final step in the food web. Therefore, scavengers primarily consume the organic debris, while decomposers break it down into simpler substances.

Strong winds can cause the fine sand particles on an ocean beach to bounce and mound into piles. This process is known as saltation. Transpiration refers to the process by which plants release water vapor into the atmosphere. Ocean waves are the result of the wind's interaction with the surface of the ocean. Mineralization refers to the process of converting organic matter into minerals.

The event shown in the image is the "Birth of an inlet." This term refers to the formation of a new waterway or channel that connects a body of water, such as a river or ocean, to a previously landlocked area. It typically occurs due to natural processes such as erosion, sedimentation, or changes in water flow. In the image, we can see the creation of a new inlet where the land is being eroded and water is flowing into the previously dry area.

The correct answer is Ocean, Ocean Beach, Sand Dune, Maritime Forest, Salt Marsh, Sound, Tidal Flat. This order represents the typical progression of barrier island coastal habitats from the open ocean towards the mainland. The ocean is the first habitat, followed by the ocean beach, which is the area of the beach directly impacted by waves and tides. Next is the sand dune, which forms behind the beach and provides protection from storms. The maritime forest is a wooded area that develops behind the dunes. The salt marsh is a wetland habitat that forms in the low-lying areas behind the forest. The sound refers to the body of water between the island and the mainland. Finally, the tidal flat is an area of mud or sandy sediment that is exposed during low tide.

The reason why nitrogen is scarce on the dunes is because there is little or no decaying plant and animal material to enrich the dunes. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth, and it is typically obtained from the decomposition of organic matter. In the absence of decaying material, there is a lack of nitrogen available for plants to take up and use for their growth and development.

Saltation is the process by which sand grains are transported by wind in a bouncing or hopping motion. This process tends to carry only the finest sand grains, as larger grains are too heavy to be lifted and transported effectively. Therefore, dunes, which are formed by the accumulation of wind-blown sand, are made up of finer sand particles compared to the beaches where larger grains can be found.

The sun is the original source of energy for the entire seashore community. It provides sunlight which is essential for photosynthesis in plants and algae, the primary producers in the community. These producers convert solar energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis, which is then passed on to the rest of the community through the food chain. Therefore, the sun is the ultimate source of energy for all organisms in the seashore community.

A seawall is a hard stabilization structure that is built parallel to the coastline to protect land from erosion by redirecting wave energy. However, the presence of a seawall can also lead to increased erosion of both the front and sides of the wall. This occurs because the redirected wave energy causes increased turbulence and scouring, which can undermine the stability of the wall and lead to erosion.

Step 4 explains that the barrier spits, which were formed in Step 3, become separated from the mainland due to a combination of sea level rise and storms. These factors breach the barrier spits, cutting them off from their original source of sand. As sea levels continue to rise, the low coastal plain on the mainland becomes flooded, causing the mainland shore to retreat. This further separates and isolates the barrier island from the mainland.

The subtidal zone is always covered by water, below the low tide water line. This means that even at low tide, the subtidal zone remains submerged. It is located below the low tide water line, which is the point where the water recedes to during low tide. This distinguishes the subtidal zone from the intertidal zone, which is the area between the high and low tide lines and is exposed to air during low tide. The subtidal zone is characterized by a constant presence of water, making it an important habitat for marine organisms.

The supratidal zone is the area above the high tide line. This means that it is located above the point where the highest tide reaches during a tidal cycle. It is the highest part of the intertidal zone and is only exposed to air during low tide. The supratidal zone is characterized by its dry conditions and is often influenced by wind and wave action. It is home to organisms that are adapted to survive in this harsh environment, such as specialized plants and insects.

This arrow identifies a longshore current. A longshore current is a current that flows parallel to the shoreline, caused by the oblique angle at which waves approach the beach. It moves sediment along the coast, resulting in the formation of sandbars and beaches. The arrow in the question indicates the direction in which the longshore current is flowing.

This diagram shows the process of barrier island migration. Barrier islands are dynamic landforms that constantly shift and move over time due to various natural processes such as waves, tides, and currents. This diagram likely illustrates the movement of a barrier island as it migrates or moves in response to these forces.

Both the mole crab and coquina clam have adapted to living in the ocean beach intertidal zone by burrowing rapidly into the sand. The coquina clam burrows as a wave recedes, while the mole crab burrows backward each time a wave advances. This adaptation allows them to avoid being washed away by the waves and provides them with protection from predators. By burrowing into the sand, they can also maintain a stable environment and access food sources that are found within the sand.

The intertidal zone is the area that is exposed to air at low tide and covered by water at high tide. It is the region between the high and low tide lines, where organisms are adapted to survive in both aquatic and terrestrial conditions. This zone experiences regular fluctuations in temperature, salinity, and moisture levels, creating a challenging environment for organisms to inhabit.

A barrier island is a long, narrow body of sand that is separated from the mainland by a sound and from other islands by inlets at both ends. This definition accurately describes the characteristics of a barrier island, including its shape, composition, and geographical location. The mention of a sound and inlets emphasizes the isolation of the island from the mainland and other islands, further highlighting its unique features.

A seawall is a structure built along the shoreline to protect land from erosion caused by waves and tides. It is typically made of concrete or stone and is designed to withstand the force of the water. Seawalls are usually built parallel to the coastline and act as a barrier, preventing the waves from reaching the land. They are commonly found in areas where there is a high risk of coastal erosion and are used to protect coastal communities, infrastructure, and beaches.

Spartina alterniflora, also known as marsh cordgrass, is considered the most abundant and ecologically important large plant of the marsh due to its salt tolerance. This means that it can thrive in environments with high salt content, such as coastal areas or marshes. This ability allows it to outcompete other plant species and establish itself as a dominant species in these habitats. Its salt tolerance also enables it to provide important ecosystem services, such as stabilizing and protecting coastal areas from erosion.

Salt spray from wind kills back the tips of the tree and shrub branches causing them to look sheared and grow stunted and twisted. This is because salt spray contains high levels of salt, which is detrimental to the growth and health of plants. The salt damages the tissues of the branches, leading to their death and causing the plants to appear sheared and distorted. Additionally, the salt can also hinder the absorption of water and nutrients by the plants, further stunting their growth.

The correct answer is #1 suspension, #2 saltation, #3 creep. In the diagram, sand particles are initially lifted into the air and suspended in the wind, which is known as suspension. Then, these suspended particles start to fall back to the ground due to gravity, but some of them gain enough momentum to be lifted back into the air again, creating a bouncing or hopping motion, known as saltation. Finally, the sand particles that do not get lifted into the air settle on the ground and move slowly along the surface through a process called creep.

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Barrier islands are typically formed by the accumulation of sand and sediment over time. They are long, narrow strips of land that run parallel to the mainland coast. The depth or thickness of barrier islands can vary, but on average, they are known to be around 30 to 60 feet deep. This depth is a result of the deposition of sand and sediment by waves and currents, as well as the natural processes of erosion and accretion. The specific depth can also be influenced by factors such as tides, storms, and the overall geology of the area.

Littoral drift refers to the movement of sand along the shoreline caused by the long shore current. This current runs parallel to the shore and carries sand and sediment in a zigzag pattern. As the waves approach the shore at an angle, they create a current that moves sediment along the coast. This process is responsible for shaping and reshaping beaches and coastal landforms over time.

Fine silt is the type of sediment that settles in the sound. Silt particles are smaller than sand particles but larger than clay particles. They have a smooth texture and can be easily transported by water. In a sound, where water movement is relatively calm, fine silt particles have the opportunity to settle and accumulate over time. This sediment type is commonly found in estuaries and coastal areas where rivers meet the ocean.

Coarse sand is the correct answer because it is the type of sediment that commonly settles on the ocean beach. Coarse sand particles are larger in size compared to silt and clay, and they are often found in abundance on beaches due to the action of waves and currents. Gravel, although also found on some beaches, is less common than coarse sand.

Supratidal animals are those that live above the high tide line, where they have access to debris and detritus. Scavengers are organisms that feed on dead or decaying organic matter, making them well-suited to this environment. They play an important role in breaking down and recycling organic material, helping to maintain the ecosystem's balance. Decomposers, producers, and herbivores are not specifically mentioned in the context of supratidal animals and their feeding habits.

Dinoflagellates cause 'red tides' when sudden blooms of certain species occur. These organisms have tiny whiplike tails that enable them to move and swirl about in the water. When there is an excessive growth of dinoflagellates, it leads to a red tide phenomenon. The sudden increase in their population can be triggered by various factors such as nutrient availability, temperature, and light conditions. The red coloration is caused by the pigments present in the dinoflagellates, which can give the water a reddish or brownish appearance.

The correct answer is Laborador/Virginia and the Gulf Stream currents. These two major currents have a significant impact on North Carolina's climate. The Laborador/Virginia current is a cold current that flows southward along the coast, bringing cooler temperatures to the region. On the other hand, the Gulf Stream current is a warm current that flows northward offshore, bringing warmer temperatures to the area. The interaction between these two currents influences the temperature and weather patterns in North Carolina.

Shoreline habitats experience extremes in water temperature due to the influence of currents and tides. Currents refer to the movement of water in a particular direction, which can bring warmer or colder water to the shoreline habitats. Tides, on the other hand, are the rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun. The changing tides can also affect water temperature by bringing in warmer or colder water. Therefore, the combination of currents and tides is responsible for the extremes in water temperature observed in shoreline habitats.

Estuaries are considered brackish because they are a mixture of fresh and saltwater. This occurs when rivers or streams flow into the ocean, creating a transition zone where the freshwater mixes with the saltwater. The varying levels of salinity in estuaries create a unique environment that supports a diverse range of plant and animal species adapted to these conditions.

The correct answer is "Three basic components of a food web are producers, consumers and decomposers." This answer accurately identifies the three main groups of organisms that play a crucial role in a food web. Producers, such as plants and algae, convert energy from the sun into food through photosynthesis. Consumers, including herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores, obtain energy by consuming other organisms. Decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, break down dead organisms and organic matter, returning nutrients back into the ecosystem. These three components are interconnected and form the foundation of energy flow and nutrient cycling in a food web.

The diagram shows leaves falling from the trees, indicating that it is autumn or fall. The other options, winter, spring, and summer, do not match the visual cues in the diagram.

Energy is passed through the community through feeding relationships. This means that energy flows from one organism to another as they consume and are consumed by other organisms in the community. Producers, such as plants, convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis. Herbivores then consume these plants, transferring the energy to themselves. Carnivores, in turn, consume the herbivores, continuing the transfer of energy. This process continues throughout the community, creating a food chain or web, and ensuring that energy is passed along to different organisms.

The correct answer is the subtidal zone of crashing breakers with swirling sand and shallow water; the intertidal zone, alternately covered and exposed by tidal waters; and the dry, sandy supratidal zone extending to the base of the sand dunes. This answer accurately describes the three distinct zones found in ocean beach habitats. The subtidal zone refers to the area below the low tide mark where the waves crash and the water is shallow. The intertidal zone is the area between the high and low tide marks that is alternately covered and exposed by tidal waters. The supratidal zone is the area above the high tide mark and extends to the base of the sand dunes.

Phytoplankton are free floating microscopic plants that are the basis of the marine food chain. They are responsible for producing most of the oxygen in the atmosphere through photosynthesis and serve as a primary food source for many marine organisms. They play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems and are essential for the survival of other organisms in the food chain.

The marshes have a characteristically rotten egg odor because decomposition in the marshes uses up a lot of oxygen and releases hydrogen sulfide. The reduced oxygen level in combination with the release of hydrogen sulfide creates the unpleasant smell.

Surface creep refers to the phenomenon where saltating grains of sand, which are grains that are bouncing or hopping along the surface due to wind or water movement, collide with heavier grains that are larger than one millimeter in diameter. This collision causes the heavier grains to experience a slight forward movement along the surface.

The sides of a dune are commonly referred to as the leeward side and the windward side. The leeward side is the side of the dune that is sheltered from the wind and is typically less steep. The windward side, on the other hand, is the side that faces the oncoming wind and is usually steeper and more exposed to erosion.

As sea levels rise, the mainland coastal plain is receding at a faster rate than the islands are migrating landward. This means that the islands are being left behind and are becoming further from the mainland coast of North Carolina.

The correct answer is Summer because the diagram likely shows a beach scene with sunny weather, people swimming in the water, and trees with full foliage. These are all typical characteristics of the summer season.

The correct answer is "Bottom material organisms live in or on." This answer accurately defines substrate as the material at the bottom of the ocean where organisms live or attach themselves to. It implies that substrate provides a habitat or support for the organisms, indicating a symbiotic relationship between the organisms and the bottom material.

A radula is a specialized mouth device in gastropods that resembles a spiked tooth-like strap. It is used to drill into the shell of a pelecypod (bivalve), which serves as its prey. This adaptation allows gastropods to access the soft tissues inside the shell for feeding purposes.

Step 3 is the correct answer because it states that the coastal plain lowland flooding continues to wash sediment, which then forms barrier island spits along the coastal headlands. This step explains how the sediment carried by the floodwaters accumulates and creates the barrier islands. The deposition of sediment along the coastline leads to the formation of these elongated landforms that act as a barrier between the open ocean and the mainland.

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The average salinity of the ocean is 35 ppt. Salinity refers to the concentration of salt in water, and ppt stands for parts per thousand. This means that for every 1000 parts of water, there are 35 parts of salt. Salinity in the ocean can vary depending on factors such as evaporation, precipitation, and freshwater input from rivers. However, on average, the salinity is approximately 35 ppt.

The diagram shows a beach covered in snow, indicating a winter season.

The diagram shows the process of barrier island migration caused by sea level rise. It demonstrates how the islands move upslope towards the mainland on the continental shelf.

A sand shadow is formed on the leeward side of the dune because this side is deprived of sand, resulting in a steep shear cliff that creates a shadow.

Based on the diagram, it can be observed that the beach is depicted with blooming flowers, green grass, and a warm sun. These are typical characteristics associated with the season of spring, suggesting that the beach change shown in the diagram represents the season of spring.