Ocean Ecosystems

The diagram below shows the relationship between some of the organisms in a marine food web. Which of the following is MOST LIKELY to happen if a large number of phytoplankton are killed from runoff entering the ocean?

• The number of porpoises would probably stay the same because porpoises are far removed from phytoplankton in the food web

• The number of zooplankton would probably increase because they wouldn’t have to compete with phytoplankton for food.

• The number of salmon would probably decrease because there would be less food available for zooplankton and herring.

• The Sun would probably not emit as much energy because there would not be as many phytoplankton in the ocean.

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Which organisms are the basis of a marine food web?

• Crabs

• Photoplankton

• Fish

• Zooplankton

What is one way humans are trying to positively impact the ocean?

• Fishing

• Creating artificial reefs

• Harvesting oil and natural gas

• Transporting goods in ocean vessels

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Which of the following is NOT a source of pollution in the ocean?

• Nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizers used on land.

• Oils found on city streets.

• Sand drifting along the bottom of the ocean floor.

• Emissions from gas-burning vehicles.

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The largest source of pollution in the ocean comes from __________.

• Oil Spills

• Acid Rain

• Runoff

• Wind

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Which of the following is associated with dead zones in the ocean?

• A decrease in nitrogen levels.

• An increase in oxygen levels.

• An increase in the number of fish.

• Runoff from fertilizers.

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How are phytoplankton similar to small trees?

• Both are at the top of the food chain

• Both conduct photosynthesis

• Both grow in soil

• Both are about the same size

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If the acidity in the oceans keep increasing every year, which poses a greater threat to the ocean life?

• coral reefs - the acid eats away at the calcium carbonate that makes up the reef.

• algae - the acid makes it easier for the algae to grow.

• sea turtles - the acid strengthens their shells.

• kelp - the acid strengthens their ability to keep their roots attached.

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Is the following an example of a positive or negative impact on the earth's ocean systems? Commercial fishing nets often times scrape the seafloor scooping up everything in its path. Dredge fishing destroys habitat and kills bycatch (fish, sharks, and other marine life caught unintentionally).

• Positive Human Impact on Ocean Systems

• Negative Human Impacts on Ocean Systems

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Is the following an example of a positive or negative impact on the earth's ocean systems? Fertilizers from farms runoff into rivers and create dead zones at the mouth of rivers in our world's oceans.

• Positive Human Impact on Ocean Systems

• Negative Human Impacts on Ocean Systems

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