Chapter 5 L2 Aquatic Ecosystems

Which aquatic ecosystem can remove pollutants from water?

• Coral Reef

• Wetland

• Rivers and streams

• Ponds and Lakes

Answer explanation

Wetlands are highly effective at filtering pollutants from water due to their unique vegetation and soil composition, which trap sediments and absorb nutrients, making them crucial for maintaining water quality.

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Which type of aquatic ecosystem is characterized by sunlight being able to reach the bottom and is only fed by rainfall?

• Coastal Ocean

• Open Ocean

• Lakes

• Ponds

Answer explanation

Ponds are shallow aquatic ecosystems where sunlight can penetrate to the bottom, allowing for plant growth. They are typically small and primarily receive water from rainfall, distinguishing them from lakes and other larger bodies of water.

Which aquatic ecosystem is an area where fresh and salt water meet?

• Lakes

• Coastal Ocean

• Estuary

• Open Ocean

Answer explanation

An estuary is a unique aquatic ecosystem where fresh water from rivers meets and mixes with salt water from the ocean, creating a rich habitat for diverse species. This distinguishes it from lakes, coastal oceans, and open oceans.

This marine biome is made from the exoskeletons of tiny living creatures. It is the most biodiverse biome in the ocean.

• Coral Reef

• Estuary

• Lake

• Stream

Answer explanation

Coral reefs are formed from the exoskeletons of tiny marine organisms called corals. They are known for their incredible biodiversity, making them the most diverse marine biome in the ocean.

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What is the correct definition for salinity?

• The amount of nutrients in water.

• The amount of dissolved sulfur in water.

• The amount of dissolved salt in water.

• The amount of dissolved oxygen in water.

Answer explanation

Salinity specifically refers to the amount of dissolved salt in water, making it the correct definition. The other options relate to different substances and do not accurately describe salinity.

An aquatic ecosystem that has a thin layer of water covering the soil that is wet most of the time.

• estuary

• pond

• wetland

• river

Answer explanation

A wetland is an aquatic ecosystem characterized by a thin layer of water covering the soil, remaining wet most of the time. This distinguishes it from estuaries, ponds, and rivers, making 'wetland' the correct answer.

Oceans and estuaries are two __________ ecosystems.

• inland

• saltwater

• terrestrial

• freshwater

Answer explanation

Oceans and estuaries are primarily composed of saltwater, making 'saltwater' the correct choice. Inland and terrestrial ecosystems refer to land-based environments, while freshwater ecosystems are distinct from saltwater ones.

This coastal ecosystem is between the highest high tide and the lowest low tide.

• estuary

• coral reef

• intertidal zone

• stream

Answer explanation

The intertidal zone is the coastal area that lies between the highest high tide and the lowest low tide, making it the correct answer. Estuaries and coral reefs are different ecosystems, while streams are freshwater environments.

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This ecosystem is often clear and usually narrow, shallow, and fast-flowing.

• lake

• river

• pond

• stream

Answer explanation

A stream is typically clear, narrow, shallow, and fast-flowing, which matches the description given. In contrast, rivers are usually wider and deeper, while lakes and ponds are stagnant bodies of water.

Sunlight only penetrates the top few feet of this freshwater ecosystem because it is larger and deeper.

• lake

• ocean

• wetland

• pond

Answer explanation

A lake is larger and deeper than a pond, which limits sunlight penetration to just the top few feet. This characteristic distinguishes lakes from shallower ecosystems like ponds and wetlands.

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