Ocean Warming (College Board AP® Environmental Science): Exam Questions

It causes corals to expel symbiotic algae due to thermal stress

It increases carbon dioxide, making coral grow faster

It stimulates overgrowth of coral tissue

It reduces light penetration, making algae photosynthesize more

Freshwater insects

Deep-sea mollusks

Coral reef species with narrow temperature ranges

Terrestrial reptiles

Stabilization of jet streams

Strengthening of oceanic carbon sinks

Increased intensity of hurricanes and cyclones

Cooling of tropical regions

Ocean warming causes seawater to become denser, strengthening thermohaline circulation and increasing nutrient mixing.

Warmer oceans lead to increased evaporation, intensifying storms and altering global weather patterns.

Rising ocean temperatures enhance the ability of seawater to hold oxygen, altering marine ecosystems.

Ocean warming has little effect on coral reefs, as most marine species can adapt to temperature changes over time.

Melting sea ice decreases the ocean's surface temperature, slowing further ice loss.

Higher temperatures lead to more snowfall, increasing ice coverage and cooling the region.

Melting permafrost releases carbon dioxide, which immediately cools the atmosphere and slows warming.

Increasing temperatures cause sea ice to melt, reducing surface reflectivity and absorbing more heat, leading to further warming.