Marine Science Exam Review

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts in marine science, aiding memory and comprehension for the exam.

Phytoplankton

Microscopic organisms that perform photosynthesis in the sunlit layers of water, crucial for marine food webs.

Zooplankton

Small drifting organisms, often herbivorous, that consume phytoplankton and serve as prey for larger marine animals.

Symbiosis

A close and often long-term interaction between two different biological species.

Parasitism

A symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits (the parasite) at the expense of the other organism (the host).

Commensalism

A symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits while the other is unaffected.

Mutualism

A symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit from the interaction.

Trophic level

The position an organism occupies in a food chain, based on its feeding relationships.

Primary producer

Organisms, such as phytoplankton, that produce energy through photosynthesis, forming the base of the food chain.

Net Primary Production (NPP)

The rate of production of new biomass after accounting for the energy used in respiration by producers.

Gross Primary Production (GPP)

The total amount of organic matter produced by photosynthesis in a given area and time.

Marine dead zone

An area in aquatic systems where oxygen levels are so low that most marine life cannot survive.

Eutrophication

The enrichment of water with nutrients, often leading to excessive algal blooms and subsequent oxygen depletion.

Algal bloom

A rapid increase in the population of algae in water bodies, often resulting from excess nutrients.

Thermocline

A layer in a body of water where the temperature changes rapidly with depth, influencing marine life distribution.

Upwelling

The process of cold, nutrient-rich water rising to the surface, often leading to high productivity in marine ecosystems.

Keystone species

A species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance, critical for maintaining the structure of the community.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem, encompassing species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecological diversity.

Carbon cycle

The series of processes by which carbon compounds are interconverted in the environment, involving carbon dioxide assimilation by plants and its release through respiration and decomposition.

Dissolved oxygen (DO)

The amount of oxygen present in water, crucial for the survival of aquatic organisms.

Coriolis effect

The deflection of moving objects, such as currents, due to the rotation of the Earth.

Niche

The role of a species within an ecosystem, including both its habitat and its interactions with other organisms.

Primary consumers

Organisms that feed directly on producers, acting as the second trophic level.

Decomposers

Organisms, such as bacteria and fungi, that break down dead organic material, returning nutrients to the ecosystem.

Bioluminescence

The production and emission of light by living organisms, common in deep-sea species.

Upwelling zones

Areas where cold, nutrient-rich waters rise to the surface, stimulating marine productivity.

Thermohaline circulation

The ocean's deep water current driven by variations in temperature and salinity, vital for global climate.

What is the process of photosynthesis?

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll pigments.

What are the reactants of photosynthesis?

The reactants of photosynthesis are carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O).

What are the products of photosynthesis?

The products of photosynthesis are glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and oxygen (O₂).

What is chlorophyll?

Chlorophyll is the green pigment in plants that absorbs sunlight for photosynthesis.

Where does photosynthesis occur in plant cells?

Photosynthesis occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells.

What is the equation for photosynthesis?

The equation for photosynthesis is: 6CO2 + 6H2O + light —> C6H12O6 + 6O2.

What are Echinoderms?

Echinoderms are a group of marine animals characterized by their radial symmetry and a hard, calcareous endoskeleton.

What are common examples of echinoderms?

Common examples include sea stars (starfish), sea urchins, sand dollars, and sea cucumbers.

What is the unique feature of echinoderm locomotion?

Echinoderms have a water vascular system that operates their tube feet, allowing for movement and feeding.

What type of symmetry do echinoderms exhibit?

Echinoderms typically exhibit pentaradial symmetry in their adult forms.

What is the primary mode of respiration for echinoderms?

Echinoderms primarily respire through tube feet and specialized structures called papulae.

How do echinoderms reproduce?

Echinoderms can reproduce both sexually, through external fertilization of eggs and sperm in the water, and asexually, through regeneration.

What role do echinoderms play in marine ecosystems?

Echinoderms play important roles in marine ecosystems as herbivores, predators, and prey, contributing to the balance of oceanic life.

What is the significance of the water vascular system in echinoderms?

The water vascular system is crucial for locomotion, feeding, and gas exchange in echinoderms.

What are the three main types of plate boundaries?

The three main types of plate boundaries are convergent, divergent, and transform boundaries.

What occurs at convergent plate boundaries?

At convergent boundaries, two tectonic plates move toward each other, often resulting in one plate being forced beneath another (subduction), leading to mountain formation and volcanic activity.

What happens at divergent plate boundaries?

At divergent boundaries, two tectonic plates move away from each other, creating new oceanic crust as magma rises to the surface, often forming mid-ocean ridges.

What is a transform plate boundary?

At transform boundaries, two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, causing earthquakes along fault lines without creating or destroying crust.

How can plate tectonic boundaries affect earthquake activity?

Earthquakes are most commonly associated with convergent and transform boundaries due to the stress and strain that accumulate as plates interact.

What geological features are commonly found at divergent boundaries?

Divergent boundaries often feature mid-ocean ridges, rift valleys, and volcanic islands formed from rising magma.

What is subduction, and where does it occur?

Subduction is the process where one tectonic plate is forced below another, commonly occurring at convergent plate boundaries.

What are the effects of transform boundaries on land?

Transform boundaries can lead to significant seismic activity, creating fault lines such as the San Andreas Fault in California.

What is the open ocean?

The open ocean, also known as the pelagic zone, refers to the vast water body that lies beyond the continental shelf and is characterized by deep, nutrient-poor waters.

What are the main zones of the open ocean?

The open ocean is divided into three main zones: the epipelagic zone (sunlit), the mesopelagic zone (twilight), and the bathypelagic zone (midnight).

What is the importance of phytoplankton in the open ocean?

Phytoplankton are crucial for marine ecosystems as they provide the primary source of energy through photosynthesis and produce oxygen.

What are some adaptations of deep-sea organisms?

Deep-sea organisms often have adaptations such as bioluminescence, larger eyes, and the ability to withstand high pressure and low temperatures.

How do currents affect the open ocean?

Ocean currents circulate water, distributing heat, nutrients, and organisms, and they play a key role in climate regulation.

What is the significance of the thermocline in the open ocean?

The thermocline is a layer in the ocean where temperature changes rapidly with depth, affecting marine life distribution and nutrient availability.

What role does the open ocean play in carbon cycling?

The open ocean absorbs a significant amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to regulate global climate through the carbon cycle.

What are some threats to the open ocean ecosystem?

Threats include overfishing, pollution, climate change, and habitat destruction, which can disrupt marine biodiversity and ecosystem balance.

What is a rocky shore?

A rocky shore is a coastal area characterized by solid rock formations and high energy from waves, creating unique habitats for various marine organisms.

What are the main zones of a rocky shore?

Rocky shores are typically divided into the supratidal zone, intertidal zone, and subtidal zone, each hosting distinct communities adapted to varying conditions.

What organisms are commonly found on rocky shores?

Common organisms include barnacles, mussels, seaweed, anemones, and various species of crabs and starfish.

How do tides affect organisms on rocky shores?

Tides influence the availability of water, exposing organisms to air or submerging them, thus impacting feeding, reproduction, and survival.

What adaptations do rocky shore organisms have?

Many rocky shore organisms have adaptations such as strong shells, the ability to cling to surfaces, and resistance to desiccation.

What is the significance of rocky shores in marine ecosystems?

Rocky shores provide habitat, food, and nursery grounds for many marine species, contributing to biodiversity and ecological balance.

What challenges do rocky shore organisms face?

Challenges include wave action, temperature fluctuations, desiccation, and competition for space and resources.

How do human activities impact rocky shores?

Human activities like coastal development, pollution, and overfishing can lead to habitat destruction and decreased biodiversity on rocky shores.

What is a coral reef?

A coral reef is a diverse marine ecosystem made up of corals, which are small marine animals that build large calcium carbonate structures.

What are the two main types of coral reefs?

The two main types of coral reefs are fringing reefs, which are attached to the shore, and barrier reefs, which are separated from land by a lagoon.

Why are coral reefs important to marine life?

Coral reefs provide habitat, food, and breeding grounds for a wide variety of marine species, supporting high biodiversity.

What are the main components of a coral reef ecosystem?

A coral reef ecosystem includes corals, fish, algae, invertebrates, and microorganisms, all interacting in a complex web of life.

What factors threaten coral reefs?

Threats to coral reefs include climate change, ocean acidification, pollution, overfishing, and habitat destruction.

What role do zooxanthellae play in coral reefs?

Zooxanthellae are symbiotic algae that live within coral tissues, providing energy through photosynthesis and assisting in calcium carbonate formation.

How do coral bleaching events occur?

Coral bleaching occurs when corals expel their zooxanthellae due to stress from rising sea temperatures, leading to loss of color and vitality.

What are some conservation efforts for coral reefs?

Conservation efforts include establishing marine protected areas, reducing pollution, promoting sustainable fishing, and restoring damaged reefs.

What are mangrove forests?

Mangrove forests are coastal ecosystems characterized by salt-tolerant trees that grow along tropical and subtropical shorelines.

What is the primary role of mangrove forests?

Mangrove forests provide habitat for wildlife, protect coastlines from erosion, filter pollutants, and act as nurseries for many marine species.

How do mangrove trees adapt to saline environments?

Mangrove trees have adaptations such as specialized roots for filtering salt, breathing roots (pneumatophores), and thick, waxy leaves to reduce water loss.

What types of animals are commonly found in mangrove forests?

Mangrove forests are home to various species, including fish, crabs, birds, and other wildlife that rely on these ecosystems for shelter and food.

What are some threats to mangrove forests?

Threats include coastal development, pollution, deforestation, sea-level rise, and conversion to agriculture and aquaculture.

How do mangroves contribute to carbon sequestration?

Mangrove forests store significant amounts of carbon in their biomass and soil, helping to mitigate climate change.

What is the significance of the root systems of mangrove trees?

The complex root systems of mangrove trees stabilize shorelines, reduce erosion, and provide habitats for marine life.

What are some conservation efforts for mangrove forests?

Conservation efforts include restoration projects, legal protection, sustainable management practices, and community involvement initiatives.

What is particle theory?

Particle theory states that all matter is made up of tiny particles that are in constant motion and that different substances are made up of different types of particles.

How does temperature affect particle motion according to particle theory?

As temperature increases, particles move faster and spread apart; as temperature decreases, particles move slower and come closer together.

What is bonding in chemistry?

Bonding refers to the forces that hold atoms together in a molecule or compound.

What are the main types of bonding?

The main types of bonding are ionic bonding, covalent bonding, and metallic bonding.

Describe ionic bonding.

Ionic bonding occurs when electrons are transferred from one atom to another, leading to the formation of charged ions that attract each other.

Describe covalent bonding.

Covalent bonding occurs when two atoms share one or more pairs of electrons.

Describe metallic bonding.

Metallic bonding involves a sea of shared electrons that are free to move around, allowing metals to conduct electricity and heat.

What is solubility in the context of chemistry?

Solubility is the ability of a substance to dissolve in a solvent, such as water, to form a solution.

What factors affect the solubility of a substance in water?

Factors that affect solubility in water include temperature, pressure, and the nature of the solute and solvent.

How does temperature generally affect the solubility of solids in water?

As temperature increases, the solubility of most solid solutes increases.

How does temperature generally affect the solubility of gases in water?

As temperature increases, the solubility of gases in water typically decreases.

What is a saturated solution?

A saturated solution is a solution that has dissolved the maximum amount of solute at a given temperature.

What is the role of phytoplankton in relation to water solubility?

Phytoplankton plays a crucial role in marine ecosystems by providing oxygen through photosynthesis, but their growth and distribution can be influenced by the solubility of nutrients in water.

What is density in the context of physics?

Density is the mass of an object divided by its volume, commonly expressed in grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³) or kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³).

How does temperature affect the density of water?

As the temperature of water decreases, its density increases until it reaches 4°C; below that temperature, water becomes less dense and ice forms.

What is pressure in physics?

Pressure is defined as the force applied per unit area, typically measured in pascals (Pa) or atmospheres (atm).

How does pressure change with depth in a fluid?

Pressure increases with depth in a fluid due to the weight of the fluid above it; the deeper you go, the greater the pressure.

What is the relationship between density and buoyancy?

The buoyancy of an object in a fluid is determined by its density compared to the density of the fluid; an object will float if it is less dense than the fluid.

How does the density of seawater compare to that of freshwater?

Seawater is denser than freshwater due to the presence of dissolved salts and other minerals.