Aquatic Biomes (College Board AP® Environmental Science): Flashcards
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Freshwater makes up only about % of Earth's water supply.
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Freshwater makes up only about % of Earth's water supply.
Freshwater makes up only about 2.5% of Earth's water supply.
Why do streams and rivers naturally have high oxygen levels?
Streams and rivers have naturally high oxygen levels because of the constant movement of the water.
Define thermocline.
A thermocline is a transition layer between warmer, mixed surface water and cooler, denser water below, in which temperature drops rapidly with depth.
How does a thermocline affect the layers of a deep lake?
A thermocline acts as a barrier that restricts the vertical movement of nutrients, oxygen and organisms between the upper and lower layers.
True or False?
In a stratified lake, oxygen levels are usually highest in the deepest layers.
False.
Oxygen levels are usually higher near the surface and lower in deeper layers.
What resources do freshwater biomes provide for human populations?
Freshwater biomes provide drinking water, water for irrigation and hydroelectric power.
What is the process in which excess nutrients cause algae blooms that reduce oxygen levels in water?
The process in which excess nutrients cause algae blooms that reduce oxygen levels is eutrophication.
Approximately what proportion of Earth's surface do marine biomes cover?
Marine biomes cover about 70% of Earth's surface, making them the largest group of biomes.
Define coral reef.
A coral reef is a marine ecosystem built by colonies of coral polyps, which secrete hard calcium carbonate skeletons over thousands of years.
Why are coral reefs found mainly in warm, shallow tropical waters?
Coral reefs need sunlight, warm temperatures and clear water to support the photosynthetic algae that live within coral tissue.
True or False?
Coral reefs support few marine species because they cover so little of the ocean floor.
False.
Coral reefs support 25% of marine species despite covering less than 1% of the ocean floor.
How do coral reefs protect coastal populations?
Coral reefs act as natural barriers against storm surges and coastal erosion.
Define estuary.
An estuary is where a freshwater river meets the ocean, creating brackish water with fluctuating salinity.
Estuaries serve as for fish and shellfish.
Estuaries serve as nurseries for fish and shellfish.
How do salt marshes improve water quality?
Salt marshes improve water quality by filtering pollutants from the water.
How do oceans help regulate global temperatures?
Oceans help regulate global temperatures through ocean currents such as the Gulf Stream.
Which ocean zone supports most marine life?
The photic zone (upper layer) supports most marine life because it receives sunlight for photosynthesis.
Phytoplankton produce about % of Earth's oxygen.
Phytoplankton produce about 50-80% of Earth's oxygen.
How do dead phytoplankton contribute to the ocean's role as a carbon sink?
When dead phytoplankton sink, the carbon they absorbed is stored in the ocean depths.
What are examples of nonmineral marine natural resources?
Nonmineral marine natural resources include living resources such as fish, shellfish, seaweed and algae.
Define turbidity.
Turbidity is how clear or murky water is, which affects light penetration and photosynthesis.
True or False?
Salinity has little effect on which marine species can survive in an area.
False.
Salt concentration affects which species can survive in an area; for example, salmon can adapt to both saltwater and freshwater, so they live in estuaries and oceans.
Why are upwelling zones hotspots for marine life?
In upwelling zones, nutrient-rich water rises to the surface, and nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates drive productivity.
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