Marine Biology Exam III

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  • 1/40 Questions

    What is the relationship between dissolved organic matter (DOM) and bacteria in the epipelagic?

    • Bacteria feed on DOM, making it available to others in the food chain that feed on bacteria
    • Bacteria feed on DOM and thus make it unavailable to other animals
    • Bacteria cannot utilize DOM
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About This Quiz

Marine Biology Exam III assesses knowledge on various marine organisms within the zooplankton group, their relationships, and characteristics. Key topics include copepods, krill, larvaceans, and arrow worms, focusing on their ecological roles and biological traits.

Marine Biology Quizzes & Trivia

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  • 2. 

    Countershading is a form of:

    • Protective coloration

    • Defensive spines

    • Dorsal fins

    Correct Answer
    A. Protective coloration
    Explanation
    Countershading is a form of protective coloration. It is a type of camouflage where an animal's body is darker on top and lighter on the bottom, helping it blend into its surroundings. This adaptation helps to break up the animal's outline and make it harder for predators to spot or recognize it. By having a darker back and a lighter belly, the animal becomes less visible both from above and below, increasing its chances of survival.

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  • 3. 

    In addition to food, deep-water animals depend on the surface for:

    • Oxygen

    • Carbon dioxide

    • Swag

    Correct Answer
    A. Oxygen
    Explanation
    Deep-water animals depend on the surface for oxygen because they are unable to extract sufficient oxygen from the deep waters where they reside. Oxygen is essential for their survival and is obtained through various mechanisms such as diffusion or specialized respiratory structures. Without access to oxygen from the surface, these animals would not be able to survive in the deep waters.

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  • 4. 

    Pheromones are special chemicals that are used to:

    • Digest food

    • Attract mates

    • Catch prey

    Correct Answer
    A. Attract mates
    Explanation
    Pheromones are special chemicals that organisms release to communicate with others of the same species. These chemicals play a crucial role in attracting potential mates by signaling their presence and indicating their readiness to reproduce. Through the release of pheromones, organisms can enhance their chances of finding suitable partners for mating, leading to successful reproduction and the continuation of their species.

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  • 5. 

    Most animals in the epipelagic are omnivores. This means that they eat:

    • Producers and consumers

    • Detritus

    • Neither

    Correct Answer
    A. Producers and consumers
    Explanation
    Most animals in the epipelagic zone, which is the uppermost layer of the ocean where sunlight can penetrate, are omnivores. This means that they have a diet consisting of both producers (such as phytoplankton) and consumers (such as small fish and zooplankton). They are capable of feeding on both plant-based organisms and other animals, allowing them to obtain a diverse range of nutrients from their environment. This adaptability enables them to thrive in the epipelagic zone, where food sources can vary greatly.

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  • 6. 

    The mesopolagic zone extends from about 200 m to about

    • 1,000 m

    • 5000 m

    • 10,000 m

    Correct Answer
    A. 1,000 m
    Explanation
    The mesopelagic zone is a layer of the ocean that extends from about 200 meters to about 1,000 meters deep. This zone is also known as the twilight zone because it is where sunlight starts to diminish and darkness becomes more prevalent. The organisms that inhabit this zone have adapted to low light conditions and often have bioluminescent features to help them navigate and communicate. The depth of 1,000 meters marks the lower boundary of the mesopelagic zone, beyond which the conditions and characteristics of the ocean change.

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  • 7. 

    Zooplankton that migrates vertically:

    • Hibernate at night and feed during the day

    • Stay below the photic zone during the day, and feed at the surface at night.

    • Migrate up and down but always below the photic zone

    Correct Answer
    A. Stay below the photic zone during the day, and feed at the surface at night.
    Explanation
    Zooplankton that migrates vertically stay below the photic zone during the day, and feed at the surface at night. This behavior allows them to avoid predators during daylight hours when visibility is high, and take advantage of the abundance of food at the surface during the night. By staying below the photic zone during the day, they also avoid excessive exposure to sunlight which could be harmful to their delicate bodies. This strategy of vertical migration helps them optimize their feeding and survival in their ecosystem.

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  • 8. 

    The mesopelagic zone refers to the ocean depths in which there is:

    • Dim light, but not enough for plant growth

    • Enough light for primary production for bacteria

    • No light at all

    Correct Answer
    A. Dim light, but not enough for plant growth
    Explanation
    The mesopelagic zone is characterized by dim light, which is not sufficient for plant growth. This means that while there is some light present in this zone, it is not at the intensity required for plants to carry out photosynthesis and produce their own food. Therefore, the correct answer is that the mesopelagic zone has dim light, but not enough for plant growth.

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  • 9. 

    The Deep-sea scavengers include animals that feed on:

    • Deep-sea plankton

    • Dead animals

    • Bottom meiofauna

    Correct Answer
    A. Dead animals
    Explanation
    Deep-sea scavengers are organisms that rely on dead animals as a food source. These organisms play a vital role in the deep-sea ecosystem by decomposing and recycling nutrients from carcasses that sink to the ocean floor. They are specialized in breaking down and consuming the remains of dead animals, contributing to the nutrient cycle and supporting the overall biodiversity of the deep-sea environment.

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  • 10. 

    Photophores are:

    • Specialized eyes

    • Buoyancy-regulating organs

    • Light producing organs

    Correct Answer
    A. Light producing organs
    Explanation
    Photophores are light producing organs. These organs are found in various marine organisms such as deep-sea fish, squid, and jellyfish. They emit light through a process called bioluminescence, which is the production and emission of light by a living organism. Photophores are used for a variety of purposes including attracting prey, camouflaging, communication, and mating displays. They are essential for survival in the dark depths of the ocean where sunlight does not penetrate.

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  • 11. 

    Where is the primary production the least?

    • Coasts

    • Gyres

    • Upwelling along coasts

    Correct Answer
    A. Gyres
    Explanation
    Gyres are large rotating ocean currents that are characterized by low productivity due to the lack of nutrient upwelling. Nutrients are essential for primary production, which refers to the process of converting sunlight into energy by marine plants and algae. In gyres, the surface waters tend to be nutrient-poor, resulting in limited primary production. Therefore, the primary production is the least in gyres compared to coasts and areas with upwelling along coasts, where nutrient-rich waters support higher levels of productivity.

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  • 12. 

    The "experimental lunch" that was left on the Alvin as it rested on the bottom revealed that deep sea bacteria:

    • Do not exist at all

    • May cause diseases in humans exposed to them

    • Grow slower than shallow-water species

    • Hate lunch

    Correct Answer
    A. Grow slower than shallow-water species
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "grow slower than shallow-water species". This can be inferred from the information given in the question, which states that the "experimental lunch" left on the Alvin revealed something about deep sea bacteria. Since the lunch was left on the bottom, it suggests that the bacteria in the deep sea took longer to grow compared to shallow-water species.

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  • 13. 

    Krill are most closely related to:

    • Worms

    • Crabs

    • Copepods

    • The dude from "Monk"

    Correct Answer
    A. Crabs
    Explanation
    Krill are most closely related to crabs because they both belong to the same group of crustaceans. Crabs and krill share similar characteristics and evolutionary traits, such as having jointed legs and an exoskeleton. They also have similar body structures, with a hard outer shell and segmented bodies. This close relationship is supported by genetic and anatomical evidence, making crabs the most closely related group to krill.

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  • 14. 

    The storage of lipids within the body is an adaptation in plankton since lipids:

    • Make cells heavier

    • Are less dense than water

    • Increase body density

    Correct Answer
    A. Are less dense than water
    Explanation
    Lipids are less dense than water, which means that they have a lower mass per unit volume compared to water. This property allows plankton to store lipids within their bodies without significantly increasing their overall body density. This adaptation is beneficial for plankton as it allows them to remain buoyant and float in water without expending much energy.

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  • 15. 

    The main thermocline is located:

    • In the mesopelagic

    • Above the mesopelagic

    • Below the mesopelagic

    Correct Answer
    A. In the mesopelagic
    Explanation
    The main thermocline is located in the mesopelagic zone. The mesopelagic zone is the middle layer of the ocean, extending from approximately 200 to 1000 meters below the surface. This zone is characterized by a rapid decrease in temperature with increasing depth, creating a distinct thermocline. The thermocline acts as a barrier, separating the warmer surface waters from the colder deep waters. The mesopelagic zone is also known as the twilight zone, as it receives only faint light from the surface, making it an important habitat for many species that have adapted to low light conditions.

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  • 16. 

    The zone immediately below the bathyal zone is called the:

    • Abyssal

    • Hadal

    • Subtidal

    • Bikini bottom

    Correct Answer
    A. Abyssal
    Explanation
    The zone immediately below the bathyal zone is called the abyssal zone. This zone is characterized by extreme depths, reaching up to 6,000 meters, and is located on the ocean floor. It is known for its cold temperatures, high pressure, and complete darkness. The abyssal zone is home to a diverse range of organisms adapted to survive in these harsh conditions.

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  • 17. 

    The most abundant group in zooplankton are:

    • Larvaceans

    • Copepods

    • Nanoplankton

    Correct Answer
    A. Copepods
    Explanation
    Copepods are the most abundant group in zooplankton. They are small crustaceans that play a crucial role in marine ecosystems as primary consumers. Copepods are found in both freshwater and marine environments and are known for their high reproductive rates and rapid growth. They serve as a vital food source for many marine organisms, including fish and whales. Their abundance and widespread distribution make them a key component of the zooplankton community.

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  • 18. 

    The most common limiting nutrient in the ocean is:

    • Silicon

    • Oxygen

    • Nitrogen

    • Awesomegen

    Correct Answer
    A. Nitrogen
    Explanation
    Nitrogen is the most common limiting nutrient in the ocean because it is an essential component of proteins and nucleic acids, which are vital for the growth and reproduction of marine organisms. Nitrogen is often present in low concentrations in seawater, limiting the productivity of marine ecosystems. This scarcity of nitrogen can restrict the growth of phytoplankton, which are the primary producers at the base of the marine food chain. Therefore, the availability of nitrogen plays a crucial role in determining the overall productivity and biodiversity of the ocean.

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  • 19. 

    The deep sea benthos consists mostly of:

    • Deposit feeders

    • Filter feeders

    • Herbivores

    Correct Answer
    A. Deposit feeders
    Explanation
    The deep sea benthos is primarily composed of deposit feeders. These organisms obtain their food by consuming organic matter that settles on the ocean floor, such as dead organisms or fecal matter. They play a crucial role in recycling nutrients and breaking down organic material in the deep sea ecosystem. Filter feeders, on the other hand, obtain their food by filtering small particles from the water column, and herbivores consume plant material. However, in the deep sea, where light is scarce and plant material is limited, deposit feeders are more abundant and better adapted to the environment.

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  • 20. 

    An important feeding adaptation among deep sea fish:

    • migration to shallower water to feed

    • Feeding on males, hence the term, "male pasitism"

    • Ability to eat prey bigger than themselves

    Correct Answer
    A. Ability to eat prey bigger than themselves
    Explanation
    The correct answer is the ability to eat prey bigger than themselves. This adaptation is important for deep sea fish as it allows them to consume larger prey, which provides them with a significant amount of energy and nutrients. This ability gives them a competitive advantage in their environment, where food resources may be scarce. By being able to consume larger prey, deep sea fish can maximize their chances of survival and reproduction.

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  • 21. 

    One of these groups builds a mucus "house"

    • Copepods

    • Arrow worms

    • Larvaceans

    Correct Answer
    A. Larvaceans
    Explanation
    Larvaceans are a group of marine animals that build a mucus "house" to live in. These transparent, gelatinous houses act as a filter, trapping food particles as water passes through. Larvaceans are unique in their ability to constantly produce and discard these houses, which helps them to efficiently feed and also provides protection from predators. This behavior is not observed in copepods or arrow worms, making larvaceans the correct answer.

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  • 22. 

    Common adaptations of mesopelagic fish include all of the following except

    • Large mouths

    • Large size

    • Extensible jaws

    Correct Answer
    A. Large size
    Explanation
    Mesopelagic fish have several adaptations to survive in their deep-sea habitat. They typically have large mouths to capture prey efficiently and extensible jaws to consume larger prey. However, they do not have large size as an adaptation. In fact, mesopelagic fish are generally small in size, which allows them to navigate through the deep-sea environment more easily and efficiently. Their small size also helps them conserve energy and avoid predation.

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  • 23. 

    The presence of bioluminescent organs on the underside of mid-water fish is involved in

    • Countershading

    • Cryptic coloration

    • Counterillumination

    Correct Answer
    A. Counterillumination
    Explanation
    Counterillumination is the correct answer because bioluminescent organs on the underside of mid-water fish help them to blend in with the light coming from above. This counteracts the silhouette that would be created by the fish if it were illuminated from below. By emitting light from their undersides, the fish are able to match the intensity and color of the light from above, making them less visible to predators and prey. This adaptation is a form of camouflage known as counterillumination.

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  • 24. 

    The rete mirabile found in some fishes is involved in:

    • Increasing speed

    • Decreasing buoyancy

    • Conserving body heat

    Correct Answer
    A. Conserving body heat
    Explanation
    The rete mirabile, a network of blood vessels found in some fishes, helps in conserving body heat. This network acts as a heat exchanger, allowing warm blood from the arteries to transfer heat to the cooler blood in the veins before it reaches the gills. This helps in preventing excessive heat loss to the surrounding water, allowing the fish to maintain a stable body temperature. By conserving body heat, fishes with a rete mirabile can adapt to colder environments and maintain their metabolic functions efficiently.

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  • 25. 

    The pelagic animals living in the waters of the ocean trenches is included in one of these zones:

    • Bathypelagic

    • Abyssopelagic

    • Mesopelagic

    Correct Answer
    A. Abyssopelagic
    Explanation
    The correct answer is abyssopelagic because the abyssopelagic zone refers to the portion of the ocean that extends from a depth of approximately 4,000 to 6,000 meters. This zone is characterized by extreme darkness, high pressure, and low temperatures. Pelagic animals that inhabit the ocean trenches, which are the deepest parts of the ocean, would be found in this zone.

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  • 26. 

    Deep sea pelagic fish are characterized by all of the following except:

    • Flabby muscles

    • Large mouth and teeth

    • Color spotted with red

    Correct Answer
    A. Color spotted with red
    Explanation
    Deep sea pelagic fish are known for their ability to camouflage in the dark depths of the ocean, and their coloration is typically dark or translucent to blend in with their surroundings. Therefore, it is unlikely for them to have color spotted with red, as this would make them more visible and vulnerable to predators. The other characteristics mentioned, such as flabby muscles and a large mouth with teeth, are commonly observed in deep sea pelagic fish.

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  • 27. 

    One of the following is an adaptation to the planktonic way of life except one:

    • Decrease in drag

    • Spines

    • Small size

    Correct Answer
    A. Decrease in drag
    Explanation
    Planktonic organisms are those that live and drift in water, being unable to swim against currents. To adapt to this lifestyle, they have certain characteristics such as small size and spines that help them stay afloat and move easily in the water. However, a decrease in drag would not be an adaptation to the planktonic way of life. Drag is the resistance that a fluid (in this case, water) exerts on an object moving through it. Planktonic organisms rely on water currents to move, so a decrease in drag would actually hinder their ability to drift and survive in their environment.

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  • 28. 

    The neuston consist of animals that:

    • Swim against currents

    • Do complex math equations

    • Float on the surface

    • Spend their entire lives as plankton

    Correct Answer
    A. Float on the surface
    Explanation
    The neuston consists of animals that float on the surface. This means that they live at or near the surface of the water, rather than swimming against currents or spending their entire lives as plankton. The neuston community includes organisms such as small fish, jellyfish, and various types of insects that rely on the surface tension of the water to stay afloat. They are adapted to this unique habitat and often have specialized structures or behaviors that allow them to survive and thrive in this environment.

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  • 29. 

    Non-vertical migrating mesopelagic fish are characterized by:

    • Large size

    • Large eyes

    • Large swim bladders

    Correct Answer
    A. Large eyes
    Explanation
    Non-vertical migrating mesopelagic fish are characterized by large eyes because they inhabit the mesopelagic zone, which is a dimly lit region of the ocean. Large eyes help these fish to gather more light, allowing them to see and detect prey, predators, and potential mates in low light conditions. This adaptation enhances their chances of survival and successful reproduction in their habitat. Additionally, large eyes may also aid in detecting bioluminescent organisms, which are common in the mesopelagic zone, further assisting these fish in their foraging and communication activities.

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  • 30. 

    The tubular eyes of some mid-water animals are adapted for:

    • Increasing field vision

    • Producing light

    • Seeing in complete absence of light

    Correct Answer
    A. Increasing field vision
    Explanation
    The tubular eyes of some mid-water animals are adapted for increasing field vision. This means that these animals have eyes that are specifically designed to see a wide range of their surroundings. This adaptation allows them to have a greater awareness of their environment and detect potential threats or prey from various directions. By having tubular eyes, these animals can have a wider field of view, which is advantageous for survival in their habitat.

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  • 31. 

    Only one of these is part of the meroplankton:

    • Copepods

    • Arrow worms

    • Snail larvae

    Correct Answer
    A. Snail larvae
    Explanation
    Snail larvae are the correct answer because meroplankton refers to organisms that spend only a portion of their life cycle as plankton. Snail larvae are the larval stage of snails, and they are part of the meroplankton because they float and drift in the water column before eventually settling and becoming adult snails. Copepods and arrow worms, on the other hand, are examples of holoplankton, which are organisms that spend their entire life cycle as plankton.

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  • 32. 

    Bioluminescence is used by mid-water animals in all of these except in:

    • Communication

    • Warning coloration

    • Attracting prey

    Correct Answer
    A. Warning coloration
    Explanation
    Bioluminescence is a phenomenon where organisms produce light. It is commonly used by mid-water animals for communication, attracting prey, and warning coloration. However, warning coloration refers to the use of bright colors to signal potential predators about their toxicity or unpalatability. Bioluminescence does not play a direct role in warning coloration as it does not involve the use of bright colors.

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  • 33. 

    Most nekton feed on:

    • Zooplankton

    • Phytoplankton

    • Plankton and nekton

    Correct Answer
    A. Plankton and nekton
    Explanation
    Most nekton feed on plankton and nekton. Nekton refers to aquatic organisms that are able to swim and move independently in the water column, such as fish, turtles, and marine mammals. Plankton, on the other hand, refers to small organisms that drift in the water, including both zooplankton (animal-like plankton) and phytoplankton (plant-like plankton). Therefore, the correct answer indicates that nekton feed on both the small organisms that drift in the water (plankton) as well as other nektonic organisms.

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  • 34. 

    Larvaceans are:

    • Planktonic chordates

    • Fish larvae

    • Deep water crustaceans

    Correct Answer
    A. Planktonic chordates
    Explanation
    Larvaceans are planktonic chordates, meaning they are small organisms that drift in the water column and belong to the phylum Chordata. They are not fish larvae or deep water crustaceans. Larvaceans have a notochord, a characteristic feature of chordates, and they filter feed on small particles suspended in the water. They play an important role in marine ecosystems as a food source for other organisms and in the ocean's carbon cycle.

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  • 35. 

    Equatorial upwelling occurs as a result of:

    • Temperature changes at the equator

    • The divergence of equatorial surface currents

    • The convergence of equatorial surface currents

    Correct Answer
    A. The divergence of equatorial surface currents
    Explanation
    Equatorial upwelling occurs as a result of the divergence of equatorial surface currents. Surface currents near the equator tend to move away from the equator in opposite directions due to the Coriolis effect. This divergence creates a void that is filled by cold, nutrient-rich water from below, a process known as upwelling. This upwelling brings nutrients to the surface, which supports the growth of phytoplankton and ultimately leads to a higher productivity of marine life in these areas.

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  • 36. 

    Arrow worms are:

    • Detritus feeders

    • Carnivores

    • Parasites

    Correct Answer
    A. Carnivores
    Explanation
    Arrow worms are carnivores because they feed on other small organisms, such as plankton and small crustaceans. They have a specialized feeding structure called a grasping spines or hooks, which they use to capture and consume their prey. This predatory behavior indicates that arrow worms obtain their nutrients by consuming other animals, making them carnivores.

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  • 37. 

    The southern Oscillation can be described as:

    • Relative changes between two pressure systems

    • Variation in wind speed over the pacific ocean

    • Relationship between surface area and high altitude pressures

    Correct Answer
    A. Relative changes between two pressure systems
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "relative changes between two pressure systems." The Southern Oscillation refers to the periodic variations in atmospheric pressure between the eastern and western tropical Pacific Ocean. It involves the interaction between the atmospheric pressure over the eastern Pacific (the "high" pressure system) and the western Pacific (the "low" pressure system). These relative changes in pressure create a see-saw effect, impacting weather patterns and climate variability in different regions around the globe.

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  • 38. 

    The deep-scattering layers (DSL) is a sound-reflecting layer that consists of:

    • Non-migrating fish

    • Eipelagic fishes

    • Migrating fish

    Correct Answer
    A. Migrating fish
    Explanation
    The deep-scattering layers (DSL) are a sound-reflecting layer that consists of migrating fish. Migrating fish are known to gather in large numbers and move vertically in the water column during their daily or seasonal migrations. These fish create a dense concentration in the DSL, which reflects sound waves and can be detected by sonar systems. Non-migrating fish and eipelagic fishes do not exhibit this behavior, so they are not present in the DSL.

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  • 39. 

    The fall bloom in temperate waters is caused when:

    • Primary production decreases as nutrients increase

    • Primary production increases as the number of zooplankton increases

    • Primary production increases as nutrients increase

    Correct Answer
    A. Primary production increases as the number of zooplankton increases
    Explanation
    In temperate waters, the fall bloom occurs when primary production increases as the number of zooplankton increases. This is because the zooplankton feed on the phytoplankton, leading to a decrease in their population. As a result, the phytoplankton population can grow rapidly, causing a bloom. The increase in primary production is therefore directly correlated to the increase in the number of zooplankton.

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  • 40. 

    The water below the oxygen minimum layer has:

    • No oxygen at all

    • Only very small traces of oxygen

    • Most of the oxygen it had when it left the surface

    Correct Answer
    A. Most of the oxygen it had when it left the surface
    Explanation
    The answer is "most of the oxygen it had when it left the surface" because the question is asking about the water below the oxygen minimum layer. The oxygen minimum layer is a zone in the ocean where oxygen concentrations are at their lowest. Therefore, the water below this layer would still have a significant amount of oxygen, although it may be lower than the surface levels.

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  • Sep 02, 2024
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • May 16, 2013
    Quiz Created by
    Jsinfonian
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