Marine Science Quiz Questions And Answers

The statement states the existence of an undersea volcanic chain deep in the oceans. The answer "true" confirms the statement's accuracy.

The statement "animals that eat other animals are herbivores" is incorrect. Animals that eat other animals are called carnivores, not herbivores. Herbivores are animals that only consume plants and vegetation.

The explanation for the correct answer "True" is that the statement aligns with scientific evidence and geological studies. The Earth is indeed estimated to be around 4.6 billion years old based on various dating methods. Additionally, the continents have experienced multiple episodes of being covered by water throughout Earth's history due to factors such as sea level changes, tectonic plate movements, and climate variations. This dynamic nature of the Earth's climate has led to the inundation of landmasses by water on numerous occasions.

Decomposers are organisms that break down dead organic material into smaller molecules. They play a crucial role in the ecosystem by recycling nutrients back into the environment. Through the process of decomposition, decomposers break down complex organic matter into simpler forms, such as carbon dioxide, water, and nutrients. This process helps to release trapped nutrients and make them available for other organisms to use. Decomposers include bacteria, fungi, and some types of insects and worms.

The statement is false because the ocean and the continents are not stationary. They are constantly moving due to tectonic plate movements. The Earth's crust is divided into several large plates that float on the semi-fluid mantle below. These plates are constantly moving, causing the continents to shift and the ocean floor to spread or collide. This movement, known as plate tectonics, is responsible for earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountain ranges.

The sediments that cover the ocean floor come from both the continent as weathered fragments of rock that rivers carry out to sea, and the shells of marine organisms that gather over time on the ocean floor.

All of the options listed, including species eating each other, environmental pollution, seasonal changes and storms, and diseases, are factors that can control population sizes. There is no exception to this, meaning that all of these options are valid population controls.

In a food web, it is possible for a single species to be in two different consumer levels. This can happen when a species has multiple food sources and consumes organisms from different trophic levels. For example, a species that feeds on both primary producers (plants) and primary consumers (herbivores) would be considered to be in two different consumer levels. This allows for more complex interactions and energy flow within the ecosystem.

The Mariana is a trench. The Mariana Trench is the deepest part of the world's oceans, located in the western Pacific Ocean. It is a crescent-shaped trench that reaches a depth of approximately 36,070 feet (10,994 meters) at its lowest point, known as the Challenger Deep. The Mariana Trench is known for its extreme depth and unique geological features, making it an important area for scientific research and exploration.

The carrying capacity refers to the maximum population size that can be supported by the available resources in a given environment. It represents the balance between the population's needs and the resources available to meet those needs. When a population exceeds the carrying capacity, there is a lack of resources and the population may experience a decline or struggle to survive. Therefore, the correct answer is "a maximum population that can survive given the available resources in an environment."

Dinoflagellates are unicellular organisms that require nitrate to survive. If the available supply of nitrate is not sufficient to support the population of dinoflagellates, then nitrate becomes a limiting resource. This means that the growth and survival of dinoflagellates are restricted by the availability of nitrate. Other options such as abiotic factor, resource partitioning, environmental adaptation, and nutrient regeneration do not accurately describe the relationship between dinoflagellates and nitrate.

Giant tapeworms living in the guts of whales is an example of parasitic symbiosis because the tapeworms benefit from living in the whale's gut, where they find a suitable environment and a constant food source, while the whale is harmed by the presence of the tapeworms, as they can cause damage to its digestive system and steal nutrients. This relationship is considered parasitic because one organism benefits at the expense of the other.

The statement is true because the abyssal plain is indeed the flat and featureless area of the ocean floor. It is located in the deepest parts of the ocean and is characterized by its smooth and uniform topography. The abyssal plain is formed by the deposition of sediments over millions of years, creating a relatively flat surface devoid of significant geological features. However, it is important to note that while the abyssal plain is generally flat, it is not completely devoid of any irregularities or small-scale features.

Sea level does not fall when glaciers melt; it actually rises. When glaciers melt, the water from the glaciers flows into the ocean, causing an increase in the volume of water and subsequently raising the sea level.

The statement is true because neritic refers to the zone above the continental shelf, which is the shallow area of the ocean extending from the coastline. This zone is characterized by abundant sunlight, nutrient-rich waters, and diverse marine life. On the other hand, oceanic refers to the zone beyond the continental shelf, which is deeper and farther away from the coastline. This zone is typically deeper, colder, and less productive compared to the neritic zone. Therefore, the statement accurately describes the horizontal distribution of these two zones in the ocean.

Over time, predators and prey engage in a process of reciprocal adaptation, where predators evolve better hunting strategies and prey develop improved defense mechanisms. This process is known as coevolution, as both species influence each other's evolution. It is a dynamic relationship that leads to continuous changes in the traits and behaviors of both predators and prey. This term captures the idea that the evolution of one species is dependent on and influenced by the evolution of another species.

The correct order is individual, population, community, ecosystem. This order follows the hierarchical structure of ecological organization. An individual refers to a single organism, while a population consists of a group of individuals of the same species in a given area. A community includes all populations of different species living together in a specific area. Lastly, an ecosystem encompasses both the biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components of an environment, including all the communities and their interactions.

An indirect interaction refers to the impact that predators have on species other than their prey through their actions. This can include altering the behavior, population dynamics, or distribution of other species in the ecosystem. It highlights the interconnectedness and complexity of ecological relationships, where the effects of one species can ripple through the entire ecosystem.

Plankton refers to the organisms that are carried by the current. They are typically small and drift along in bodies of water, unable to swim against the current. Plankton can include both plants (phytoplankton) and animals (zooplankton), and they form the base of the aquatic food chain. They play a crucial role in the ecosystem by providing food for larger organisms and by producing a significant amount of the Earth's oxygen through photosynthesis.

Fish will actually wait in line at a cleaning station to take their turn. This behavior is observed in certain species of fish, such as cleaner fish and client fish. Cleaner fish set up cleaning stations where they remove parasites and dead skin from other fish. Client fish recognize these stations and wait their turn to be cleaned. This behavior is beneficial for both parties as the cleaner fish get food and the client fish get rid of parasites.

An island is a seamount that has emerged above sea level. This means that it was originally underwater but has risen to the surface due to geological processes. Islands can be formed through volcanic activity or by the movement of tectonic plates. They are typically surrounded by water and are separate from the ocean floor. Islands can vary in size, ranging from small pieces of crust that have been disconnected from the continent to larger landmasses. Some islands may indeed be tropical paradises, but this is not a defining characteristic of all islands.

A lobster that scavenges food from the ocean bottom is correctly called a benthic consumer. "Benthic" refers to the bottom of a body of water, and "consumer" indicates that the lobster consumes other organisms for food. This term accurately describes the lobster's feeding behavior and habitat.

The correct answer is 10%. This is because of the energy transfer efficiency between trophic levels in an ecosystem. Only about 10% of the energy stored in the biomass of one trophic level is passed on to the next trophic level. The rest of the energy is lost as heat or used for metabolic processes. This phenomenon is known as the 10% rule and helps to explain why food chains are typically limited in length and why there are fewer individuals at higher trophic levels.

The habitat refers to the natural environment in which a particular organism or species lives. It encompasses various factors such as salinity and temperature of the water, amount of light, and tides, waves, and currents. These factors directly affect the survival and behavior of organisms in a specific habitat. However, the types of animal and plant species present in a habitat are not considered as part of the habitat itself, but rather as the result of the habitat's characteristics and conditions.

The given answer states that none of the statements regarding "spiny tricks" are false. This means that all of the statements are true. Therefore, it can be concluded that "spiny tricks" can indeed be used to make a species look menacing and scare away predators, display a threat to predators and enemies, inflict wounds on predators and enemies, as well as wedge and hide an individual in a tight space.

The operculum is the correct answer because it refers to the gill cover in fish. The operculum is a bony flap that protects the delicate gills and helps with the process of respiration. It opens and closes to allow water to pass over the gills, allowing the fish to extract oxygen from the water.

Resource partitioning refers to the division of limited resources among different species in order to reduce competition. This allows species to coexist by utilizing different resources or occupying different niches within the same ecosystem. By dividing resources, species are able to reduce direct competition and increase their chances of survival. Therefore, resource partitioning is the term used to describe the sharing of resources among different species.

The term "dorsal" refers to the back of an animal or organism. It is the opposite of "ventral," which refers to the belly or underside. Therefore, the correct answer is "back."

The statement is false because hydrothermal vents are actually home to a unique ecosystem that supports a variety of organisms. These vents are located in the deep ocean where hot water and minerals are released from the Earth's crust, creating a harsh environment with high temperatures, extreme pressure, and toxic chemicals. However, specialized organisms such as tube worms, shrimp, and bacteria have adapted to these conditions and thrive in this extreme environment.

New ocean crust is created at the mid-ocean ridge and recycled at subduction zones. The mid-ocean ridge is a divergent boundary where two tectonic plates move away from each other, allowing magma to rise and create new oceanic crust. Subduction zones, on the other hand, are convergent boundaries where one tectonic plate is forced beneath another. This process allows the older oceanic crust to be recycled back into the mantle, completing the cycle of ocean crust formation and destruction.

Intraspecific competition refers to competition between individuals of the same species. Tuna and sharks belong to different species, therefore they cannot engage in intraspecific competition. Instead, they would be involved in interspecific competition, which occurs between individuals of different species. Thus, the given statement is false.

Competitive exclusion refers to the phenomenon where one species outcompetes another species for limited resources, leading to the elimination or extinction of the weaker species. This occurs when two species have similar ecological requirements and compete for the same resources, such as food, water, or habitat. The species that is more efficient or better adapted at utilizing these resources will have a competitive advantage and eventually exclude or eliminate the other species from the ecosystem.

Copepods are not primary producers because they do not have the ability to produce their own food through photosynthesis. Instead, they are consumers that feed on phytoplankton and other organic matter in the water. They are microscopic crustaceans with an exoskeleton of calcium carbonate and play a crucial role in the marine food chain as a food source for many larger organisms.

The correct answer is b and c are correct. Organic material that is not eaten at each level of the trophic structure is called DOM (dissolved organic matter). This material is broken down by decomposers into nutrients, CO2, and water. Therefore, both options b and c accurately describe what happens to the organic material that is not consumed at each trophic level.

A bivalve is a good example of a filter feeder because it has a specialized feeding mechanism that allows it to filter small particles and organisms from the water. Bivalves have two shells and a muscular foot that they use to burrow into the sediment or attach to rocks. They have gills that are used to filter water, extracting food particles such as phytoplankton and other organic matter. This feeding strategy allows bivalves to obtain nutrients efficiently from their environment.

Pelagic refers to the water column in the ocean, which includes all the water between the surface and the ocean floor. It does not refer to the ocean bottom, vegetation, sandy surfaces, or rocky surfaces. The term pelagic is used to describe organisms and processes that occur in the open water, away from the shoreline or benthic habitats.

The correct answer is a barrier/zone between warm and cold water in the water column. A thermocline refers to a distinct layer in the ocean where there is a rapid change in temperature with depth. It acts as a barrier or zone separating the warmer surface water from the colder deep water. This temperature gradient can have significant effects on the distribution of marine organisms and oceanic processes.

The statement is true because the littoral zone and the intertidal zone refer to the same area. These terms are used to describe the region of a shoreline that is exposed to both air and water, experiencing regular changes in water levels due to tides. This zone is home to a diverse range of organisms that have adapted to survive in this dynamic environment. Therefore, the littoral zone and the intertidal zone are interchangeable terms used to describe the same coastal area.

The correct answer is "photic". The photic zone refers to the uppermost layer of a body of water where sunlight can penetrate and support photosynthesis. Organisms living near the surface of the water are exposed to sunlight and can utilize it for energy production through photosynthesis. This zone is rich in light and is home to a variety of marine life that rely on sunlight for survival.

In terms of biomass, it is more likely to find more small schooling fish than large schooling fish. This is because small fish typically reproduce in larger numbers and have shorter lifespans, resulting in a higher overall biomass. Additionally, small fish are often prey for larger predators, which can further contribute to their higher numbers in terms of biomass. Therefore, the statement that there would be more large schooling fish than small schooling fish in terms of biomass is false.

An "opportunistic" feeder is a type of feeder that takes advantage of any available food source. This means that they will eat larval forms of their own predators, larval forms of their own species, and whatever else is available for consumption. Therefore, all of the options a-c are correct in describing an opportunistic feeder.

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Countershading is the phenomenon where an animal has a darker coloration on its upper side and a lighter coloration on its lower side. This coloring helps the animal blend in with its surroundings and provides camouflage. In the case of the mackerel, its silver belly appears to disappear in the sunlight when viewed from below, making it difficult for the shark to see it. This is an example of countershading, where the mackerel's coloration helps it avoid detection by predators.

Copepods and jellyfish are both planktonic, meaning they are organisms that drift in the water column. Additionally, they are both on the same level of the trophic pyramid, which represents the feeding relationships between different organisms in an ecosystem. However, the statement that copepods are very small and jellyfish are much larger is false. Copepods are indeed small, typically measuring a few millimeters in length, but jellyfish can vary in size, with some species being smaller than copepods and others being much larger.

The statement suggests that cleaning associations are common in polar waters. However, the correct answer is false, indicating that cleaning associations are not common in polar waters. This implies that there is a lack of evidence or research supporting the presence of cleaning associations in polar waters.

The term "plankton" refers to organisms that drift in the water, unable to swim against the current. These organisms can be either plants or animals, and they form the base of the food chain in aquatic ecosystems. They are often microscopic in size and are an important source of food for larger organisms. Therefore, the term "drifter" accurately describes the nature of plankton, as they are carried by the currents and do not have the ability to actively move against them.

The statement is false because the North Atlantic Ocean actually has a larger plankton bloom than the tropics. This is due to the presence of nutrient-rich waters and upwelling currents in the North Atlantic, which support the growth of plankton. The colder waters in the North Atlantic also help to trap nutrients near the surface, further promoting plankton growth. In contrast, the tropics have warmer waters and less nutrient availability, resulting in a smaller plankton bloom.

Primary production in the ocean is not stable in a variety of environments. It varies depending on factors such as nutrient availability, sunlight, temperature, and water depth. Different regions of the ocean have different levels of primary production due to variations in these factors. Therefore, the statement that primary production is very stable in a variety of ocean environments is false.

The Plate Tectonic Theory is the correct answer because it explains how the continents and oceans have moved and changed over time. This theory states that the Earth's outer shell, or lithosphere, is divided into several large plates that float on the semi-fluid asthenosphere beneath them. These plates interact with each other at their boundaries, causing various geological phenomena such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and the formation of mountain ranges. The theory also explains the process of seafloor spreading and subduction, which contribute to the movement and changing distribution of continents and oceans.

The main purpose of the case study on "Fish Intersexuality" is to highlight the correlation between changes in fish sexuality and environmental stressors such as pollution. The study aims to demonstrate that alterations in fish sexuality can serve as an indicator of the presence of pollution in their environment. By examining the intersexuality phenomenon in fish, the study seeks to raise awareness about the potential negative impacts of pollution on aquatic ecosystems.