Marine Science and Ecosystems Review

These flashcards cover key concepts in marine science, focusing on water properties, Earth processes, marine ecosystems, and biodiversity.

What is the kinetic particle theory's explanation for state changes in water?

State changes occur because particles gain or lose energy, affecting their movement and attraction.

What are the components of an atom?

An atom consists of a nucleus containing protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons in energy levels.

How do hydrogen bonds affect the properties of water?

Hydrogen bonding causes water to have high surface tension, high specific heat, and less density in ice compared to liquid water.

What is the relationship between temperature, pressure, salinity, and water density?

Higher salinity and lower temperatures increase water density, while increased pressure slightly enhances density.

What are the main layers of the Earth according to the theory of plate tectonics?

The Earth consists of a crust, mantle, outer core, and inner core.

What occurs at divergent, convergent, and transform tectonic boundaries?

Divergent boundaries form mid-ocean ridges; convergent boundaries create trenches and volcanoes; transform boundaries lead to earthquakes.

Describe the conditions at hydrothermal vents.

Hydrothermal vents are environments with high pressure and temperature where mineral-rich water emerges from the Earth.

What are the processes involved in weathering, erosion, and sedimentation?

Weathering breaks down rocks, erosion moves particles, and sedimentation deposits them in new locations.

How do weathering, erosion, and sedimentation shape shorelines?

These processes can build up or wear away land, forming beaches, sandbars, and deltas.

What causes tides, and what factors affect tidal range?

Tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun, with tidal range influenced by alignment, coastline shape, and weather.

What drives ocean currents and upwellings?

Wind, Earth's rotation, temperature differences, and salinity drive currents; upwellings occur from surface water displacement.

What are the effects of El Niño and La Niña events?

El Niño weakens trade winds and warms the Pacific, disrupting global weather; La Niña strengthens trade winds, cooling waters and enhancing storms.

What is a food chain? How does it differ from a food web?

A food chain shows linear feeding relationships, while a food web depicts interconnected energy flow among organisms.

What is photosynthesis, and what does it produce?

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light into glucose.

What does productivity refer to in an ecosystem?

Productivity is the rate of biomass production that supports food chains.

How much energy is typically lost at each trophic level?

About 90% of energy is lost at each trophic level as heat, waste, or through respiration.

What is the carbon cycle?

The carbon cycle describes the movement of carbon through the atmosphere, ocean, and living organisms.

What are the six main categories in the biological classification system?

Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, and Species.

What are phytoplankton and zooplankton?

Phytoplankton are photosynthetic organisms, while zooplankton are animal organisms that feed on phytoplankton or other zooplankton.

What is a coral reef's structure?

Coral reefs consist of polyps that have a mouth, tentacles, and stinging cells.

What are the four types of coral reefs?

Fringing, barrier, atoll, and patch reefs.

What are the ecological roles of mangrove forests?

Mangrove forests provide habitats, prevent erosion, and act as carbon sinks.

What effects do storms have on coral reefs?

Storms can cause damage and contribute to reef erosion, reducing habitat and biodiversity.

How do biotic and abiotic factors influence marine life on shores?

Abiotic factors include salinity and temperature; biotic factors include competition and predation.

What adaptations help organisms survive in sandy areas?

Burrowing is a common adaptation in sandy areas to avoid predators and prevent desiccation.

What is the importance of coral reefs to fisheries?

Coral reefs support diverse fish populations, making them critical for commercial and subsistence fisheries.

What conditions are necessary for the formation of tropical coral reefs?

Warm, clear, shallow, and sunlit water are required for coral reef formation.

What happens during the upwelling process?

Upwelling occurs when nutrient-rich water rises to the surface, displacing surface water.

Describe the role of zooxanthellae in coral nutrition.

Zooxanthellae are symbiotic algae that photosynthesize, providing nutrients to corals.

What happens to the biodiversity of ecosystems with higher productivity?

Higher productivity generally supports longer and more complex food chains.

How is energy depicted in ecological pyramids?

Ecological pyramids show the decrease in energy, numbers, or biomass at each trophic level.

What are the effects of acidification on coral reefs?

Acidification can weaken coral structures and hinder growth.

What is an estuary and its significance?

Estuaries are coastal areas where freshwater meets saltwater, important for biodiversity and nurseries for many marine species.

Explain how climate change could impact marine ecosystems.

Climate change can lead to ocean warming, acidification, and habitat destruction, affecting marine biodiversity.

What are the typical features of rocky shores?

Rocky shores are stable, zoned, and exhibit high biodiversity.

How do soft corals differ from hard corals?

Soft corals are flexible and lack calcium carbonate skeletons, while hard corals have rigid structures.

What factors can influence the population dynamics of marine organisms?

Factors include resource availability, predation, and environmental conditions.

What does the term biodiversity refer to?

Biodiversity refers to the variety of species within an ecosystem.

How does sedimentation affect marine habitats?

Sedimentation can smother organisms, altering habitats and affecting biodiversity.

What describes the process of mangrove colonization?

Mangrove colonization is an example of ecological succession in coastal areas.

What is the significance of upwelling regions in the ocean?

Upwelling regions are productive due to the influx of nutrients, supporting rich marine life.

Why are oceans considered vital for regulating Earth’s climate?

Oceans absorb and distribute solar energy, influencing weather and climate patterns globally.