Impact of Hypoxia on Marine Life

The video discusses the Gulf of Mexico's Dead Zone, a hypoxic area caused by nutrient run-off from agriculture and urban areas. This leads to large algal blooms that deplete oxygen, creating a zone where marine life cannot survive. The Dead Zone has grown significantly, impacting the Gulf's ecosystem and economy. Efforts are underway to reduce its size, but more action is needed to prevent further damage.

What is the size of the 2015 Gulf of Mexico Dead Zone compared to?

• The state of Florida

• The state of Texas

• The state of California

• The states of Rhode Island and Connecticut combined

What is the primary cause of nutrient pollution leading to the Dead Zone?

• Industrial waste

• Oil spills

• Agricultural and urban run-off

• Deforestation

What happens to marine life when the water becomes hypoxic?

• They grow larger in size

• They thrive and multiply

• They become more aggressive

• They migrate to other areas or die

Which marine creatures are most affected by the hypoxic conditions?

• Sea turtles

• Dolphins and whales

• Crabs, snails, and starfish

• Fish and shrimp

What is the target size for the Dead Zone set by the Mississippi River/Gulf of Mexico Watershed Nutrient Task Force?

• 3,000 square miles

• 10,000 square miles

• 5,000 square miles

• 1,900 square miles

What is the consequence of not reducing fertilizer and sewage dumping into the Gulf?

• The Dead Zone will remain the same size

• The Dead Zone will disappear

• The Dead Zone will continue to expand

• The Dead Zone will shrink

What is the mission of the Mississippi River/Gulf of Mexico Watershed Nutrient Task Force?

• To increase fish population

• To reduce Gulf hypoxia

• To promote tourism

• To clean oil spills