Pt2

Question 1

Describe the classification of marine environments based on light.

Answer 1

Marine environments are classified into photic and aphotic zones. Photic zones are where light is available for photosynthesis, allowing phytoplankton to thrive. Aphotic zones lack light, where organisms like zooplankton and bacteria can inhabit.

Question 2

Explain the significance of the photic zone in marine ecosystems.

Answer 2

The photic zone is significant because it is the region where light penetrates, enabling phytoplankton to perform photosynthesis, which forms the base of the marine food web.

Question 3

Define the terms benthic and pelagic in the context of marine classification.

Answer 3

Benthic refers to the ecological region at the bottom of a body of water, while pelagic refers to the open water column away from the shore and the sea floor.

Question 4

What are the distinct characteristics of coastal, neritic, and oceanic zones?

Answer 4

Each zone has unique physical and chemical characteristics that support different organisms, with coastal zones being shallow and near land, neritic zones extending over the continental shelf, and oceanic zones being deeper and further from land.

Question 5

Describe the intertidal zone in marine communities.

Answer 5

The intertidal zone is where the land meets the water and is alternately submerged and exposed by the twice-daily cycle of tides.

Question 6

Explain the characteristics of the neritic zone.

Answer 6

The neritic zone includes shallow regions over the continental shelves, where sunlight can penetrate, supporting a diverse range of marine life.

Question 7

Define the oceanic zone.

Answer 7

The oceanic zone extends past the continental shelves and is characterized by very deep waters.

Question 8

What is the pelagic zone?

Answer 8

The pelagic zone refers to the open water of the ocean, which is not close to the bottom or the shore.

Question 9

How do ocean currents affect the oceanic pelagic biome?

Answer 9

Ocean currents constantly mix the water in the oceanic pelagic biome, influencing the distribution of nutrients and organisms.

Question 10

Identify the primary producers in the oceanic pelagic biome.

Answer 10

The primary producers in the oceanic pelagic biome are plankton, which thrive in the photic zone.

Question 11

How does the neritic zone contribute to marine biodiversity?

Answer 11

The neritic zone, where coral reefs are located, contributes to marine biodiversity by providing habitats for a variety of marine species.