Biology 101

What happens to carbon when phytoplankton die and decompose?

• It is released as oxygen.

• It is recycled in surface waters or sinks to the ocean floor.

• It is converted into fossil fuels.

• It is absorbed by marine animals.

Answer explanation

When phytoplankton die, the carbon they contain is recycled in surface waters or sinks to the ocean floor, contributing to the ocean's carbon cycle. This process helps maintain the balance of carbon in marine ecosystems.

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NGSS.HS-ESS2-6

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NGSS.HS-LS2-5

Explain how the ocean acts as a carbon sink.

• It releases carbon into the atmosphere.

• It absorbs carbon through physical and biological processes.

• It stores carbon in the form of fossil fuels.

• It converts carbon into oxygen.

Answer explanation

The ocean acts as a carbon sink by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through physical processes like diffusion and biological processes such as photosynthesis by marine plants, helping to regulate global carbon levels.

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NGSS.HS-ESS2-6

What is the impact of increased CO2 levels on ocean acidity?

• It decreases ocean acidity.

• It has no effect on ocean acidity.

• It increases ocean acidity.

• It neutralizes ocean acidity.

Answer explanation

Increased CO2 levels lead to more carbonic acid formation in oceans, which lowers pH and increases acidity. Therefore, the correct answer is that it increases ocean acidity.

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NGSS.HS-ESS2-6

Describe the process of upwelling and its significance in the carbon cycle.

• Upwelling brings warm water to the surface, reducing carbon storage.

• Upwelling brings nutrients and carbon to the surface, supporting marine life.

• Upwelling removes carbon from the ocean floor.

• Upwelling decreases the ocean's ability to absorb carbon.

Answer explanation

Upwelling is a process where deep, nutrient-rich water rises to the surface, bringing carbon and nutrients that support marine life. This enhances productivity and plays a crucial role in the carbon cycle by facilitating biological carbon uptake.

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NGSS.HS-ESS2-6

Analyze how warming ocean temperatures affect phytoplankton levels.

• Warming temperatures increase phytoplankton levels.

• Warming temperatures have no effect on phytoplankton levels.

• Warming temperatures decrease phytoplankton levels.

• Warming temperatures stabilize phytoplankton levels.

Answer explanation

Warming ocean temperatures can lead to stratification, reducing nutrient mixing and light availability, which ultimately decreases phytoplankton levels. Thus, the correct answer is that warming temperatures decrease phytoplankton levels.

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What is the primary reason researchers use satellites to study phytoplankton?

• Satellites can measure the temperature of the ocean.

• Satellites provide a global perspective on phytoplankton distribution.

• Satellites can capture images of marine animals.

• Satellites can detect ocean currents.

Answer explanation

The primary reason researchers use satellites to study phytoplankton is that they provide a global perspective on phytoplankton distribution, allowing for comprehensive monitoring of these vital organisms across vast ocean areas.

The branch of biology that is concerned with identifying, naming and classifying organisms is called _____.

• taxidermy

• ecology

• systematics

• taxonomy

The binomial system of naming species was developed by _____.

• Mendel

• Linnaeus

• Darwin

• Watson and Crick

The evolutionary history of a group of organisms is a:

• Taxon

• Specific epithet

• Derived trait

• Phylogeny

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To identify species by comparing a short fragment of DNA sequence from an unknown organism to a large database of sequences from known organisms is specifically known as:

• DNA barcoding

• systematics

• parsimony

• transformation