End Of Coastal Unit Test

A maritime forest is a type of barrier island habitat that is characterized by a dense growth of trees and vegetation. It is found along the coastlines and is influenced by the salt spray and high winds from the ocean. The trees in a maritime forest are typically adapted to withstand these harsh conditions, such as live oaks and cedar trees. This habitat provides important shelter and food sources for a variety of wildlife, and helps to stabilize the sand dunes and prevent erosion.

The correct answer is "Sound". A sound is a type of barrier island habitat that is characterized by a body of water, typically a narrow strip of water that separates the island from the mainland. Sounds are often shallow and can support a diverse range of marine life. They provide important habitats for various species and serve as a buffer zone between the island and the open ocean.

An overwash fan is a barrier island feature that forms when storm waves and high tides breach the dunes and deposit sediment landward, creating a fan-shaped deposit. This feature helps to protect the island by absorbing the energy of storm waves and preventing further erosion. Overwash fans are typically composed of sand and other sediments, and they can vary in size and shape depending on the intensity of the storm. They play a crucial role in maintaining the stability and resilience of barrier islands in the face of natural hazards.

The image likely shows a phenomenon known as rollover, which is a characteristic feature of barrier islands. Rollover occurs when waves approach the island at an angle, causing the sand to be transported from the ocean side to the bay side. This process helps to maintain the shape and stability of barrier islands by redistributing sediment and preventing erosion. The image might capture the visual evidence of this sediment transport, showcasing the distinct shape and form of a barrier island affected by rollover.

The correct answer is "Three basic components of a food web are producers, consumers and decomposers." This answer accurately identifies the three main components of a food web. Producers, such as plants and algae, convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis. Consumers, including herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores, obtain energy by consuming other organisms. Decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, break down dead organic matter and recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem. These three components are essential for the flow of energy and nutrients in a food web.

Scavengers consume organic debris, especially animal debris, when an organism dies. Decomposers, on the other hand, are bacteria and fungi that play a crucial role in the food web by breaking down the remains of dead organisms. They complete the final step in the process of decomposition.

The tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun on Earth. The moon's gravity is stronger than the sun's, so it has a greater influence on the tides. As the moon orbits around Earth, its gravitational pull causes a bulge of water on the side of Earth facing the moon, creating a high tide. On the opposite side of Earth, there is also a high tide due to the centrifugal force caused by the moon's gravitational pull. This results in two high tides and two low tides every day. The sun's gravity also contributes to the tides, but to a lesser extent.

The correct answer is "Ocean beach" because it is a type of barrier island habitat that is characterized by sandy shores along the ocean. Barrier islands are narrow strips of land that form parallel to the mainland and are separated from it by a body of water, such as an ocean or a sound. Ocean beaches are typically exposed to wave action and are influenced by tides, making them distinct habitats with unique flora and fauna adaptations.

Salt marsh is a type of barrier island habitat that is characterized by the presence of salt-tolerant plants, such as marsh grasses, and is located in between the ocean and the mainland. This habitat is typically flooded by tidal waters, creating a unique ecosystem that supports a diverse range of plant and animal species. Salt marshes are important for coastal protection, as they help to absorb wave energy and reduce erosion. They also provide valuable nursery grounds for many marine organisms and serve as feeding and resting areas for migratory birds.

The correct answer states that for dune formation to occur, three requirements are needed: a large supply of sand, wind speeds capable of moving sand, and an ideal location for sand to accumulate. This means that a significant amount of sand must be present, strong enough winds must be able to transport the sand, and there must be a suitable location where the sand can gather and form dunes.

A tidal flat is a type of barrier island habitat that is characterized by its flat, muddy or sandy surface which is exposed during low tide and covered by water during high tide. Tidal flats are located in the intertidal zone, between the land and the ocean, and are often found near estuaries or in areas with strong tidal currents. They provide important feeding and breeding grounds for many species of birds, fish, and invertebrates, and also help to protect the mainland from erosion and storm damage.

A seawall is a hard stabilization structure built along the shoreline to protect land from erosion and flooding caused by waves. When a seawall is present, wave energy is redirected towards the wall, which can enhance erosion on both the front and sides of the wall. This is because the waves hit the wall and reflect back towards the sea, creating a backwash that can erode the beach in front of the wall. Additionally, the waves hitting the wall can also cause erosion on the sides of the wall, especially if the wall is not properly designed or maintained.

The correct answer is the sun. The sun provides the primary source of energy for the entire seashore community through the process of photosynthesis. Producers, such as plants and algae, use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. This glucose is then used by other organisms in the food chain, providing energy for the entire community. The ocean, moon, and tides may have indirect effects on the seashore community, but the sun is the ultimate source of energy.

A unit of life refers to an ecological community where both plant and animal components coexist and interact with each other in a mutually dependent manner. This concept emphasizes the interdependence and interconnectedness of different organisms within a specific ecosystem. It recognizes the importance of the relationships and interactions between plants and animals in maintaining the balance and functioning of the ecological community.

The correct answer is "Ocean" because it is a type of barrier island habitat. Barrier islands are narrow strips of land that separate the ocean from the mainland. The ocean is a large body of saltwater that is a characteristic feature of barrier islands.

The correct answer is Dune. A dune is a barrier island habitat characterized by sand hills or ridges formed by wind or water. Dunes are typically found along the beach or coastline and provide protection from storm surges and erosion. They are important habitats for various plant and animal species that are adapted to the harsh conditions of sandy soils, strong winds, and salt spray. Dunes also play a crucial role in stabilizing the coastline and maintaining the integrity of the barrier island ecosystem.

The photo shows a dense forest located in the middle of the widest part of an island. This indicates that a maritime forest, which is a type of forest found in coastal areas, can be found in the central region of the island. The presence of this forest suggests that the island has enough space and suitable conditions for the growth of trees and vegetation. This information does not provide any details about the shape or size of the island, the presence of dunes, or the amount of shade it receives from the sun.

Barrier islands are narrow strips of land that are formed parallel to the coastline. They are typically formed by the deposition of sand and sediment over time. The depth or thickness of barrier islands can vary, but on average, they tend to be around 30 to 60 feet deep. This depth is influenced by factors such as the amount of sediment available, wave energy, and sea level rise. The varying depth of barrier islands is important as it helps to protect the mainland from storms and erosion by acting as a natural buffer.

The diagram shows the process of barrier island migration. Barrier islands are formed by sediment deposition and are constantly changing due to natural processes such as wave action and tidal currents. This diagram illustrates the movement of the barrier island over time, as it migrates landward or seaward. The movement is a result of various factors such as sea level rise, sediment supply, and storm events.

Estuaries are considered brackish because they contain a mixture of fresh and salt water. This occurs when rivers or streams flow into the ocean, creating a transition zone where the freshwater and saltwater mix. The mixing of these two types of water creates a unique environment with varying salinity levels, making it brackish.

Phytoplankton are free floating microscopic plants that are the basis of the marine food chain. They are responsible for producing the majority of the Earth's oxygen and are consumed by various marine organisms, starting the food chain. They play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems and are essential for the survival of many marine species.

Saltation is the correct answer because it accurately defines saltation as the movement of sand by strong winds that have a speed of 10 mph or greater. This movement of sand results in the formation of dunes. The other options mentioned in the question are unrelated to saltation and do not describe its characteristics or conditions of occurrence.

Saltation is the process by which sand particles are transported by wind in a bouncing motion. During saltation, the larger and heavier sand particles tend to settle closer to the ground, while the finest and lighter particles are carried higher in the air. As a result, when these finer sand particles are deposited, they accumulate to form dunes. This explains why dunes are made of finer sand than the beaches.

The explanation for the correct answer is that the salt marsh community is considered one of nature's most self-sustaining ecological systems because it can meet its own needs without relying on other communities. This means that the marsh community has a wide variety of plants and animal species that occupy different niches, allowing it to provide the necessary nutrients and resources for its own survival. This self-sustainability makes the marsh community a valuable coastal resource.

The diagram shows a beach with bare trees, indicating that the season is winter. In winter, the trees lose their leaves, resulting in a lack of foliage. This is a characteristic feature of the winter season, making it the correct answer.

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 brings cold water from the north, which helps to moderate the temperatures along the coast. The Gulf Stream current, on the other hand, brings warm water from the south, which can lead to warmer temperatures along the coast. The interaction between these two currents influences the overall climate patterns in North Carolina.

A barrier island is defined as 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 means that it is a landform made up of sand that is located parallel to the mainland and is surrounded by water on both sides. The presence of inlets at both ends of the island allows for the exchange of water between the ocean and the sound, creating a unique ecosystem.

Water turbulence is the correct answer because it refers to the movement and agitation of water in shoreline habitats. The turbulence of the water affects the type and size of sediment that can be deposited. Strong water turbulence can result in the deposition of larger, coarser sediments, while calm water conditions allow for the settling of finer sediments. Therefore, the kind of sediment deposited in shoreline habitats is influenced by the level of water turbulence present in the area.

Coarse sand is the correct answer because sediments that settle on the ocean beach are typically larger in size compared to silt, clay, and gravel. Coarse sand particles have a diameter between 0.2 and 2.0 millimeters, making them suitable for beach environments where they can be easily transported by waves and currents. These sediments contribute to the formation of sandy beaches and provide habitat for various organisms that thrive in this type of environment.

Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth, and it is typically obtained from decaying plant and animal material in the soil. In the case of the dunes, there is little or no decaying plant and animal material present, which means there is a scarcity of nitrogen available to enrich the dunes. This lack of nitrogen can limit the growth and productivity of plants in the dune habitat.

The event shown in the image is the "Birth of an inlet." This is indicated by the visual representation of water flowing into a narrow channel or opening, which suggests the formation of a new inlet or waterway. The other options, such as Nor'easter wind tide, Formation of a tidal delta, and Spring tide, do not accurately describe the specific event depicted in the image.

The arrow in this question identifies a longshore current. A longshore current is a current that flows parallel to the shoreline, caused by the angle at which waves approach the beach. It moves sediment along the coast and can have a significant impact on coastal erosion and deposition.

Estuaries are considered brackish because they contain a mixture of fresh and salt water. This occurs because rivers and streams flow into estuaries, bringing fresh water with them, while at the same time, the estuary is connected to the ocean, which contains salt water. The mixing of these two types of water creates a brackish environment in the estuary.

The correct answer is "Bottom material organisms live in or on." This answer accurately defines what a substrate is in the context of ocean organisms. A substrate refers to the bottom material in which organisms either live on or within. It provides a habitat and support for various marine organisms, allowing them to anchor themselves or burrow into the substrate for protection and feeding.

The correct answer describes the three distinct zones found in ocean beach habitats. These zones include the subtidal zone, which is characterized by crashing breakers with swirling sand and shallow water. The intertidal zone is alternately covered and exposed by tidal waters. Lastly, the dry, sandy supratidal zone extends to the base of the sand dunes.

Supratidal animals are organisms that live in the area above the high tide line. These organisms rely on debris and detritus, which are dead organic matter, as a food source. Scavengers are organisms that feed on dead and decaying organisms, making them the most suitable answer. Decomposers break down dead organic matter, producers create their own food through photosynthesis, and herbivores consume plants as their primary food source, none of which accurately describe the feeding habits of supratidal animals.

The effect of salt spray on back dune trees and shrubs is that it kills the tips of their branches, resulting in a sheared appearance and causing them to grow stunted and twisted.

As the sand dune gets higher, it acts as a barrier and provides protection from wind and salt spray for the vegetation behind it. This allows larger and more robust vegetation to grow, as it is shielded from the harsh conditions of the coastal environment. Therefore, the height of the sand dune positively correlates with the size and abundance of vegetation behind it.

The Eastern Oyster is the correct answer because when it attaches to a solid object, it becomes immobile and unable to move. This is a characteristic of sessile organisms, which are permanently fixed to a substrate. The Blue or ribbed mussel, Mud snail, and Scallop are not sessile and are capable of movement.

The unique aspect of the oyster crab is that it lives inside the shells of oysters and other bivalves and may eat the muscle tissue of the "host" oyster. This behavior allows the crab to both find protection within the shell and also obtain a source of food by consuming the oyster's muscle tissue. This adaptation sets the oyster crab apart from other crabs that may not have this specific behavior or feeding habit.

The correct answer is 15-25 ppt. This range of salinity is commonly observed in estuaries, which are partially enclosed bodies of water where freshwater from rivers and streams mixes with saltwater from the ocean. The salinity in estuaries can vary depending on factors such as rainfall, tidal influence, and freshwater input. A range of 15-25 ppt is considered typical for estuarine environments, providing a balance between freshwater and saltwater conditions that support a diverse range of plant and animal species.

The six key environmental factors that affect shoreline habitat are climate, water level, salinity, water temperature, air temperature, and substrate. These factors play a crucial role in determining the characteristics and overall health of shoreline ecosystems. Climate influences the overall weather patterns and conditions in the area, while water level affects the availability of suitable habitat and the presence of tidal zones. Salinity levels determine the types of organisms that can survive in the habitat, and water and air temperatures impact the growth and survival of both plants and animals. Lastly, the substrate, or the type of material on the shoreline, determines the availability of suitable nesting sites and the overall stability of the habitat.

Salt spray provides the main source of nutrients on frontal dunes. This is because salt spray contains various minerals and nutrients that are essential for the growth and survival of plants in this harsh coastal environment. The salt spray is carried by the wind and deposited onto the dunes, where it is absorbed by the plants and used for their nutrient requirements. Additionally, the salt spray also helps to create a protective barrier around the plants, preventing excessive water loss and providing some level of protection against the strong winds and harsh conditions on the dunes.

Spartina alterniflora, also known as marsh cordgrass, is extremely important in marsh ecosystems because of its ability to tolerate high levels of salt in the soil. This allows it to thrive in coastal areas where other plants may struggle to survive. Its salt tolerance enables it to play a crucial role in stabilizing marsh sediments and preventing erosion. Additionally, Spartina alterniflora provides habitat and food for a variety of organisms, making it ecologically significant. Its ability to withstand saltwater intrusion and maintain its population makes it a key species in marsh ecosystems.

The correct answer explains that during high tide, incoming tides replenish the ocean level salinity. During low tide, areas of the salt marsh are exposed and may have pools of water that, when evaporated, leave the salt behind, creating a salty substrate. Evaporation is a factor in intertidal areas. Heavy rains alter the salinity, making the sound less salty. This explanation provides a logical sequence of events that explain why the water in the tidal flat has a wide range of salt content.

A groin is a structure built perpendicular to the shoreline, usually made of rocks or concrete, that extends into the water. It is designed to trap sand and prevent erosion along the coast. Groins are commonly used in coastal engineering to stabilize beaches and prevent the movement of sand along the shore. They are often built in a series and can create a more stable beach environment by trapping sediment and preventing it from being carried away by currents.

The intertidal zone is the area between the high and low tide lines. This means that it is the region of the shoreline that is covered by water during high tide and exposed during low tide. It is a unique and dynamic environment that is constantly changing due to the ebb and flow of the tides. Organisms that live in this zone must be adapted to withstand both the pounding waves and the exposure to air and sunlight during low tide.

A berm is a supratidal ledge of sand that is found at the high tide line. It is a raised area of sand that is formed by the deposition of sediment by waves and tides. The berm acts as a natural barrier, protecting the land behind it from the erosive forces of the ocean. It is typically found along coastal areas and can vary in size and shape depending on the local wave and tide conditions.

Dune plants have adaptations such as thick, waxy leaves and the ability to curl inward and turn in a vertical position. These adaptations help to protect the plants from the intense heat and light of the sun by reducing sun exposure. The thick, waxy leaves act as a barrier, preventing excessive water loss through evaporation and protecting the plant from dehydration. Curling inward and turning in a vertical position helps to minimize the surface area exposed to the sun, reducing the amount of sunlight absorbed and preventing damage from excessive heat and light.

The correct answer is that decomposition uses much oxygen while releasing hydrogen sulfide. This is because the reduced oxygen level combined with the release of hydrogen sulfide gives the marsh a rotten egg odor.