Question 1

Which of the following best explains why ocean water is more dense at greater depths?

Accepted Answer

Because the water at depth is colder and saltier.

Question 2

What is the primary cause of ocean acidification, and what is one major consequence for marine ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere; leads to erosion of coral skeletons.

Question 3

Which marine ecosystem is characterized by thick stands of salt-tolerant plants, high productivity, and serves as a nursery for fish and shellfish?

Accepted Answer

Salt marsh

Question 4

A fisherman notices that his catch has declined dramatically after a red tide event. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Toxins produced by dinoflagellates during eutrophication

Question 5

Which process is responsible for bringing cold, nutrient-rich water to the surface, supporting high productivity in certain coastal regions?

Accepted Answer

Upwelling

Question 6

Why do stable catch rates of marine fish not necessarily indicate stable fish populations?

Accepted Answer

Because fishers may be catching smaller and younger fish, masking population declines.

Question 7

Which of the following is a direct effect of the thermohaline circulation on global climate?

Accepted Answer

It moderates atmospheric temperature changes by redistributing heat.

Question 8

A coastal city is protected from storm surges and erosion by a nearby ecosystem composed of large algae growing from the ocean floor. Which ecosystem is this?

Accepted Answer

Kelp forest

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the process of bioaccumulation in marine food webs?

Accepted Answer

The buildup of toxins such as mercury in organisms at higher trophic levels.

Question 10

Which of the following equations best represents the process of ocean acidification?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{CO_2$ (g) + H_2O (l) \rightarrow H_2CO_3 (aq)}$$

Question 11

Which of the following is a major reason why plastics are a persistent problem in marine environments?

Accepted Answer

Plastics can take hundreds of years to break down and are often ingested by marine organisms.

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the function of Marine Reserves?

Accepted Answer

They prohibit all fishing to preserve intact ecosystems and increase biodiversity.

Question 13

A region of the ocean is experiencing hypoxia and massive fish die-offs. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Eutrophication from excess nutrient runoff

Question 14

Which of the following is a key difference between Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Marine Reserves?

Accepted Answer

MPAs allow some human activities, while Marine Reserves prohibit fishing entirely.

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why coral reefs are highly vulnerable to ocean acidification?

Accepted Answer

Acidification causes the erosion of calcium carbonate skeletons.

Question 16

Which of the following is a consequence of overexploitation of marine fish populations?

Accepted Answer

Collapse of fish populations and reduced productivity.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the role of mangrove forests in coastal protection?

Accepted Answer

They provide nursery areas for fish and shellfish and protect against storms.

Question 18

Which of the following is a major source of heavy metal pollution in marine environments?

Accepted Answer

Burning fossil fuels, which releases mercury and cadmium.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the process of aquaculture?

Accepted Answer

Farming fish and other aquatic organisms in enclosures.

Marine and Coastal Systems: Structure, Function, and Conservation

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