Test Your Ocean IQ

1. The ocean provides us with medicines to treat:

Cancer

Cystic fibrosis

Heart disease

All of the above

None of the above

The ocean provides us with medicines to treat cancer, cystic fibrosis, and heart disease. This is because the ocean is home to a diverse range of marine organisms that produce compounds with potential medicinal properties. For example, certain marine plants and animals have been found to contain substances that can inhibit the growth of cancer cells, improve lung function in cystic fibrosis patients, and lower the risk of heart disease. Therefore, all of the mentioned conditions can be treated using medicines derived from the ocean.

Explanation

The ocean provides us with medicines to treat cancer, cystic fibrosis, and heart disease. This is because the ocean is home to a diverse range of marine organisms that produce compounds with potential medicinal properties. For example, certain marine plants and animals have been found to contain substances that can inhibit the growth of cancer cells, improve lung function in cystic fibrosis patients, and lower the risk of heart disease. Therefore, all of the mentioned conditions can be treated using medicines derived from the ocean.

2. Which ecosystem is home to the greatest diversity of life on earth?

Tropical rainforests

Freshwater ponds, lakes, and streams

The arctic tundra

Grasslands

The ocean

The ocean is home to the greatest diversity of life on earth because it covers more than 70% of the planet's surface and contains a wide range of habitats, including coral reefs, deep-sea trenches, and coastal areas. These diverse habitats support a vast array of marine organisms, from microscopic plankton to large marine mammals. The ocean's ability to support life is also enhanced by its nutrient-rich waters and the presence of sunlight, which allows for photosynthesis and supports the growth of phytoplankton, the base of the marine food chain.

Explanation

The ocean is home to the greatest diversity of life on earth because it covers more than 70% of the planet's surface and contains a wide range of habitats, including coral reefs, deep-sea trenches, and coastal areas. These diverse habitats support a vast array of marine organisms, from microscopic plankton to large marine mammals. The ocean's ability to support life is also enhanced by its nutrient-rich waters and the presence of sunlight, which allows for photosynthesis and supports the growth of phytoplankton, the base of the marine food chain.

3. The ocean sustains which elements that protect us from natural disasters?

Wetlands

Mangroves

Coral reefs

All of the above

None of the above

Wetlands, mangroves, and coral reefs are all elements found in the ocean that play a crucial role in protecting us from natural disasters. Wetlands act as natural buffers, absorbing excess water and reducing the impact of floods. Mangroves act as a barrier against storm surges and provide protection against coastal erosion. Coral reefs act as natural breakwaters, reducing the intensity of waves during storms and protecting coastal areas from erosion. Therefore, all of these elements contribute to safeguarding us from natural disasters.

Explanation

Wetlands, mangroves, and coral reefs are all elements found in the ocean that play a crucial role in protecting us from natural disasters. Wetlands act as natural buffers, absorbing excess water and reducing the impact of floods. Mangroves act as a barrier against storm surges and provide protection against coastal erosion. Coral reefs act as natural breakwaters, reducing the intensity of waves during storms and protecting coastal areas from erosion. Therefore, all of these elements contribute to safeguarding us from natural disasters.

4. What percentage of the earth’s surface does the ocean cover?

82%

70%

60%

56%

42%

The correct answer is 70%. This means that approximately 70% of the Earth's surface is covered by the ocean. This is a significant portion, indicating that the ocean plays a crucial role in the planet's overall composition. The vastness of the ocean has a significant impact on climate, weather patterns, and the distribution of life on Earth. It is important to understand and protect this vital ecosystem.

Explanation

The correct answer is 70%. This means that approximately 70% of the Earth's surface is covered by the ocean. This is a significant portion, indicating that the ocean plays a crucial role in the planet's overall composition. The vastness of the ocean has a significant impact on climate, weather patterns, and the distribution of life on Earth. It is important to understand and protect this vital ecosystem.

5. What is the approximate measure of salt in our own blood?

The same as the measure of salt in the ocean

One half the measure of salt in the ocean

One fourth the measure of salt in the ocean

One eighth the measure of salt in the ocean

The approximate measure of salt in our own blood is the same as the measure of salt in the ocean. This is because the concentration of salt in our blood, known as salinity, is similar to that of the ocean. Our bodies need a certain level of salt to maintain proper functioning, and this level is comparable to the salt concentration in the ocean.

Explanation

The approximate measure of salt in our own blood is the same as the measure of salt in the ocean. This is because the concentration of salt in our blood, known as salinity, is similar to that of the ocean. Our bodies need a certain level of salt to maintain proper functioning, and this level is comparable to the salt concentration in the ocean.

6. The ocean provides approximately 80 percent of which of the following?

The protein we eat

The water we drink

The air we breathe

None of the above

The ocean provides approximately 80 percent of the air we breathe. This is because the ocean is a major source of oxygen production through photosynthesis carried out by marine plants, such as phytoplankton. These plants release oxygen into the atmosphere as a byproduct of their metabolic processes. Additionally, the ocean also plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate and weather patterns, which further affects the composition of the air we breathe.

Explanation

The ocean provides approximately 80 percent of the air we breathe. This is because the ocean is a major source of oxygen production through photosynthesis carried out by marine plants, such as phytoplankton. These plants release oxygen into the atmosphere as a byproduct of their metabolic processes. Additionally, the ocean also plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate and weather patterns, which further affects the composition of the air we breathe.