Multiple Choice
In which marine biome would you expect to find organisms that are adapted to withstand extremely high temperatures & a complete lack of sunlight?
48. Ecology
Marine Aquatic Biomes
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In the context of marine aquatic biomes, which statement best describes an estuary ecosystem?
A
A freshwater wetland dominated by standing water and emergent vegetation with no direct tidal influence
B
A coastal zone where freshwater from rivers mixes with saltwater from the ocean, producing brackish water and high nutrient availability
C
A deep-ocean habitat beyond the continental shelf characterized by low light and low primary productivity
D
A coral reef ecosystem found only in clear, warm, fully marine waters with stable salinity
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the definition of an estuary ecosystem. An estuary is a coastal area where freshwater from rivers meets and mixes with saltwater from the ocean.
Step 2: Recognize the key characteristics of estuaries, such as the presence of brackish water, which is a mixture of fresh and saltwater, and the high nutrient availability that supports diverse biological communities.
Step 3: Compare the given options to the definition and characteristics of estuaries. Identify which description matches the mixing of freshwater and saltwater and the resulting ecological conditions.
Step 4: Eliminate options that describe ecosystems unrelated to estuaries, such as freshwater wetlands without tidal influence, deep-ocean habitats with low light, or coral reefs in fully marine waters with stable salinity.
Step 5: Conclude that the best description of an estuary ecosystem is the coastal zone where freshwater from rivers mixes with saltwater from the ocean, producing brackish water and high nutrient availability.
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Marine Aquatic Biomes practice set
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