Oceanography Exam Review, Level 1

2.

An example of a transform active margin is:

• Mid-Atlantic Ridge
• San Andreas Fault
• West Coast of S. America
• East Coast U.S.

Correct Answer

A. • San Andreas Fault

Explanation

The San Andreas Fault is an example of a transform active margin because it is a boundary between two tectonic plates that are sliding past each other horizontally. This type of plate boundary is characterized by frequent earthquakes and the absence of significant volcanic activity. The fault is located in California, USA, and is responsible for the formation of the famous San Francisco Bay Area.

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3.

What forms the basis of a food chain in a deep ocean vent?

• Sediment
• Plants
• Tube Worms
• Bacteria

Correct Answer

A. • Bacteria

Explanation

Bacteria form the basis of a food chain in a deep ocean vent. Deep ocean vents are characterized by high temperatures and extreme pressure, making it difficult for other organisms to survive. Bacteria, however, have adapted to these harsh conditions and are able to derive energy from the chemicals present in the vent, such as hydrogen sulfide. These bacteria serve as primary producers, converting the chemical energy into organic matter. Other organisms, such as tube worms and other vent-dwelling animals, then feed on these bacteria, forming the basis of the food chain in this unique ecosystem.

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4.

When the Nike shoes traveling around the North Pacific Gyre landed along the coast of California, Hawaii, and Japan, the only current they would NOT have been carried by is the:

• Benguela Current
• North Pacific Current
• California Current
• Kuroshio Current

Correct Answer

A. • Benguela Current

Explanation

The Benguela Current is located along the western coast of southern Africa, and it flows northward. Therefore, it would not have been able to carry the Nike shoes from the North Pacific Gyre to the coasts of California, Hawaii, and Japan. The other three currents listed - the North Pacific Current, California Current, and Kuroshio Current - are all located in the North Pacific region and could have potentially carried the shoes to these locations.

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5.

Because it is in the taxonomic Order Cetaceae, the Bottlenose Dolphin is most closely related to:

• Sharks
• Sailfish
• Whales
• Humans

Correct Answer

A. • Whales

Explanation

The Bottlenose Dolphin is most closely related to whales because they both belong to the taxonomic Order Cetaceae. This order includes all marine mammals such as dolphins, porpoises, and whales. Sharks and sailfish are not part of this order, and humans are not closely related to dolphins or whales in terms of taxonomy. Therefore, the correct answer is whales.

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6.

Another name for the tail fin of a fish is the:

• Caudal Fin
• Dorsal Fin
• Pelvic Fin
• Pectoral Fin

Correct Answer

A. • Caudal Fin

Explanation

The correct answer is Caudal Fin. The caudal fin is located at the posterior end of a fish and is responsible for propulsion and steering. It is the main fin used for swimming and is typically shaped like a fan or triangle. The dorsal fin is located on the back of the fish and provides stability, the pelvic fin is located on the ventral side of the fish and helps with balance and maneuvering, and the pectoral fin is located on the sides of the fish and aids in steering and stopping.

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7.

Which adaptation helps a marine animal that swims in open ocean water?

Markings such as Stripes and Mottling
Barbels
Uniform color and Reflective Scales
Bioluminescence

Correct Answer

A. Uniform color and Reflective Scales

Explanation

Uniform color and reflective scales are adaptations that help a marine animal that swims in open ocean water. Having a uniform color helps the animal blend in with its surroundings and makes it harder for predators to spot. Reflective scales can help to confuse or deter predators by reflecting light and creating a shimmering effect, making it difficult for predators to accurately locate the animal. These adaptations are beneficial for survival in the open ocean environment.

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8.

What causes a wave to break?

• The wind blows it over open water
• It becomes unstable and collapses as shallow water slows
• Breakwaters built horizontal to the shoreline
• The surface water reaches an ocean trench

Correct Answer

A. • It becomes unstable and collapses as shallow water slows

Explanation

When a wave approaches shallow water, the bottom of the wave starts to interact with the ocean floor. This interaction causes the wave to slow down, while the top of the wave continues moving at its original speed. This difference in speed between the top and bottom of the wave causes the wave to become unstable and eventually collapse, resulting in the wave breaking.

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9.

The deepest place in the ocean is located at 36,000 feet below sea level in a place called:

• Bathypelagic Zone
• Pacific Gyre
• Mariana Trench
• Bay of Fundy

Correct Answer

A. • Mariana Trench

Explanation

The Mariana Trench is the correct answer because it is known as the deepest place in the ocean, located at 36,000 feet below sea level. It is a crescent-shaped trench in the Western Pacific Ocean and is famous for its extreme depth and unique ecosystem. The Bathypelagic Zone refers to the deep-sea zone where sunlight cannot penetrate, but it is not a specific location like the Mariana Trench. The Pacific Gyre and Bay of Fundy are not related to the deepest place in the ocean.

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10.

Which is NOT an example of a volcanic peak?

• Sea Knolls
• Guyots (Sea Mounts)
• Submarine Fans
• Abyssal Hills

Correct Answer

A. • Submarine Fans

Explanation

Submarine fans are not examples of volcanic peaks because they are sedimentary features found on the ocean floor, formed by the deposition of sediment carried by underwater currents. Volcanic peaks, on the other hand, are mountains or hills that are formed by volcanic activity, such as the eruption of lava and ash from a volcano. Sea Knolls, Guyots (Sea Mounts), and Abyssal Hills are all examples of underwater volcanic peaks or volcanic features.

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Oceanography Exam Review, Level 1

What is another name for the topography of the ocean floor?

Quiz Preview

An example of a transform active margin is:

What forms the basis of a food chain in a deep ocean vent?

When the Nike shoes traveling around the North Pacific Gyre landed along the coast of California, Hawaii, and Japan, the only current they would NOT have been carried by is the:

Because it is in the taxonomic Order Cetaceae, the Bottlenose Dolphin is most closely related to:

Another name for the tail fin of a fish is the:

Which adaptation helps a marine animal that swims in open ocean water?

What causes a wave to break?

The deepest place in the ocean is located at 36,000 feet below sea level in a place called:

Which is NOT an example of a volcanic peak?