h2O-no! Assessment

How does oxygen get into the ocean? Tick all that apply

• Gas exhange

• Photosynthesis

• From fish exhaling

• Dolphins bursting escaped lilos and beach balls

Answer explanation

Atmospheric oxygen diffuses naturally in the ocean.

Photosynthesis by aquatic plants and plankton produces oxygen as a byproduct

Waves, turbulance and agitation create a bigger ------- for a more efficient oxygen diffusion on the water's surface

• amount of bubbles

• wind current

• surface area

• whirlpool

Answer explanation

Oxygen can diffuse into the ocean at it's surface. A bumpy, wavy surface has a bigger surface area - giving the oxygen a much larger point of entry into the water!

Fish don't feel pain, true or false?

• Very true!

• False, fish feel pain in their fins only.

• Likely false, but scientists aren't 100% sure!

• False, I heard a fish say "ow" after swimming into a rock

Which of these is the most toxic to fish?

• Nitrate

• Ammonia

• Nitrite

• Oxygen

Answer explanation

From this list, ammonia is the most toxic. It is broken down into nitrite - which is still very toxic, but not as bad! It then breaks down into nitrate, the least toxic of the three.

Oxygen is grand!

Plastic plants help provide oxygen in a home aquarium?

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Real plants photosynthesize, using light and Co2 to produce energy and oxygen. The oxygen is a waste product to the plant, but it dissolves in your tank nicely!

Plastic plants are, obviously, plastic, and don't need to do this. They just look good!

What is the name of the organ some fish possess, allowing them to breathe from the surface?

• Saccule

• Utricle

• Labyrinth

• Endolymphatic

Answer explanation

The labyrinth organ allows some fish like bettas and gourami to breathe air from the surface!

All the other terms listed were part of the human ear

Which of these is a behavioural sign of low oxygen?

• Fish gulping rapidly at nothing

• Fish losing bouyancy

• Fish turning upside down

• Fish crying

Answer explanation

Fish gulping at nothing is a sign of low oxygen. The fish is trying to force more water over its gills to find dissolved oxygen

What can help you introduce oxygen into a home tank? Tick all that apply

• Using an air stone for agitation

• Planting real plants

• Doing a water change

• Buying more fish