Scl #2 Ocean Beach HW Quiz 2

Coarse sand is the correct answer because sediments that settle on the ocean beach are typically larger in size and have a grain size between 0.2 to 2.0 millimeters. Coarse sand fits within this range and is commonly found on ocean beaches due to wave action and erosion of rocks. Silt, gravel, and clay are not typically found on ocean beaches as they have smaller or larger grain sizes than what is commonly found in beach sediments.

Water turbulence plays a significant role in determining the kind of sediment deposited in shoreline habitats. Turbulence refers to the movement and mixing of water, which can vary in strength and intensity. Stronger water turbulence can transport and deposit coarser sediments, such as sand and gravel, while weaker turbulence may result in the deposition of finer sediments like silt and clay. Therefore, the level of water turbulence directly influences the composition and texture of sediment in shoreline habitats.

The average salinity of the ocean is 35 ppt. Salinity refers to the amount of salt dissolved in water. The average salinity of the ocean is determined by factors such as evaporation, precipitation, and the input of freshwater from rivers. A salinity of 35 ppt means that for every 1,000 grams of seawater, there are 35 grams of dissolved salts. This level of salinity is considered typical for the world's oceans.

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

Phytoplankton are free floating microscopic plants that are the basis of the marine food chain because they undergo photosynthesis, using sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and nutrients into organic matter. This organic matter is then consumed by zooplankton, which are small animals that feed on phytoplankton. Zooplankton, in turn, are consumed by larger organisms, creating a food chain that supports the entire marine ecosystem.

A berm is a supratidal ledge of sand that is found at the high tide line. It is a raised area of sand that acts as a natural barrier between the beach and the land. The berm is formed by the deposition of sand by waves and tides, and it helps to protect the land from erosion caused by high tides and storm surges. The berm is an important feature of coastal ecosystems and provides habitat for various plants and animals.

Fine silt is the type of sediment that settles in the sound. Silt is a granular material that is finer than sand but coarser than clay. It is easily transported by water and tends to settle in areas with low water flow, such as in a sound. The fine particles of silt can slowly settle and accumulate over time, creating a layer of sediment on the bottom of the sound.

The tides are caused by the gravitational pull of both the moon and the sun on Earth. The moon's gravitational pull is stronger because it is closer to Earth, and it causes the majority of the tidal effect. However, the sun's gravitational pull also contributes to the tides, although to a lesser extent. The combined gravitational forces of the moon and the sun create the daily cycle of two high tides and two low tides. The other options, such as the ocean's wave energy, do not accurately explain the cause of tides.

Supratidal animals are those that live above the high tide line and are exposed to air during low tide. These animals primarily feed on debris and detritus that washes up along the strand line. Scavengers are organisms that feed on dead and decaying organic matter, making them the most suitable option to describe the feeding behavior of supratidal animals. Decomposers break down organic matter, producers create their own food through photosynthesis, and herbivores primarily consume plants, none of which accurately represent the feeding habits of supratidal animals.

The correct answer is "wind coming off the ocean, the presence of water coming in with the tides and in the space between the sand sediment." Oxygen is plentiful in the ocean beach habitat due to these three factors. The wind coming off the ocean helps to mix the air and water, increasing the oxygen content. The presence of water coming in with the tides brings in fresh oxygen-rich water. Additionally, the space between the sand sediment allows for oxygen exchange between the water and the sand, further increasing the oxygen levels in the habitat.

Dinoflagellates are the organisms that cause "red tide" and the scientific name for the specific organism that causes red tide is Pfiesteria piscicida. Red tide is a phenomenon where there is a rapid growth of dinoflagellates, leading to the discoloration of water to a reddish-brown color. These organisms produce toxins that can be harmful to marine life and humans, causing fish kills and shellfish poisoning.

Phytoplankton serves as the primary plant material for the ocean beach intertidal zone. Phytoplankton are microscopic plants that float in the water and are the base of the marine food chain. They are able to photosynthesize and produce their own food, making them an important source of energy for other organisms in the intertidal zone. Zooplankton, detritus, and debris are also present in the intertidal zone but do not serve as the primary plant material.

A mollusk is an organism with a hard shell that encases a soft muscle body. This characteristic distinguishes mollusks from other organisms. The hard shell provides protection and support for the soft muscle body. Mollusks include various types of animals such as snails, clams, and octopuses. The shell can vary in shape and size depending on the species. The soft muscle body allows mollusks to move and perform various functions such as feeding and reproduction. Overall, the combination of a hard shell and soft muscle body is a defining feature of mollusks.

Turbulent ocean waves are able to carry coarse sediment due to their strong energy and force. As these waves crash onto the shoreline, they lose their energy and are unable to continue carrying the sediment. This causes the coarse sand to settle and deposit in the intertidal zone. The other options, such as ocean tides and sound waves, do not possess the same level of turbulence and force as ocean waves, making them less likely to carry and deposit coarse sediment on the shoreline. The longshore current, although it can transport sediment, may not specifically carry coarse sand to the shore.

Most supratidal animals are scavengers that feed on debris along the strand line. Supratidal animals refer to organisms that live in the uppermost zone of the intertidal area, which is exposed to air during low tide. Scavengers are organisms that feed on dead or decaying organic matter, and the strand line is the area where debris such as seaweed, shells, and other organic material accumulates along the shoreline. Therefore, it is logical to conclude that most supratidal animals would be scavengers that feed on this debris along the strand line.

Debris and detritus are deposited at the high tide line because this is the area where the highest point of the tide reaches on the shore. As the tide comes in, it brings with it various materials such as seaweed, shells, and other organic matter, which then get left behind as the tide recedes. This accumulation of debris and detritus at the high tide line is a result of the constant ebb and flow of the tides, making it the correct answer.

A pelecypod refers to a bivalve, which is a type of mollusk that has two shells. This distinguishes it from a univalve, which is a mollusk with one shell. A pelecypod is not related to phytoplankton or zooplankton, as it is a type of shellfish.

A gastropod is a type of mollusk that has a one-shelled structure, known as a univalve. This means that it has a single shell covering its body, distinguishing it from bivalves which have two shells. Gastropods include snails and slugs, and they are known for their ability to move using a muscular foot and their distinct spiral-shaped shells.

A gastropod is a type of mollusk that has one shell. It is specifically referred to as a marine snail. The term "gastropod" is derived from the Greek words "gaster" meaning stomach and "pous" meaning foot, which describes the characteristic muscular foot of these organisms. The shell of a gastropod serves as protection and support for the snail's soft body. These mollusks are found in marine environments and exhibit a wide range of sizes, shapes, and colors.

Waves have the ability to move larger shell particles and sand across the substrate surface. This action can sometimes lead to abrasions or burying of plants and animals. Waves are created by the wind blowing across the surface of the water, causing the water to move in a circular motion. The energy from the wind is transferred to the water, creating waves that can have significant force and impact on the substrate.

Intertidal beach life is nourished largely by plankton, which is brought in by tides. Plankton serves as a vital food source for many organisms living in the intertidal zone, including small fish, crustaceans, and filter-feeding invertebrates. Tides, the periodic rise and fall of sea levels, carry plankton from deeper waters onto the intertidal beach, providing a constant supply of nutrients for the organisms that inhabit this dynamic ecosystem.