The Physical Ocean
Which ocean zone contains 90% of all marine species and extends over the continental shelf?
Sunlit Zone (Shallow)
In the ocean food web, how are organisms such as Kelp and Phytoplankton categorized?
Producers
The Octopus is a soft-bodied creature with a sharp beak for breaking shells. What is its primary escape tactic when frightened?
Emitting ink and using camouflage
Phytoplankton are microscopic, plant-like organisms. What is their primary role in the Earth's ecosystem?
They use photosynthesis to produce food and much of Earth’s oxygen
Marine snow is a continuous shower of biological debris. What are the primary components of these "snowflakes"?
Organic material, fecal matter, sand, and soot
Temperature in the deep ocean, specifically within the Midnight and Abyssopelagic zones, is typically described as:
Near freezing
Bottlenose Dolphins are intelligent mammals that hunt in groups called pods. What do they use to find food and navigate?
Echolocation (clicks and whistles)
The Anglerfish is a well-known resident of the Midnight Zone. How does its "lure" adaptation function to attract prey?
It contains millions of bioluminescent bacteria that glow in the dark
Which small, territorial fish helps keep coral reefs healthy by grazing on excess algae?
Blenny
What are the two primary factors used to determine the different zones of the ocean?
Sunlight and Nutrients
The Midnight Zone (Bathypelagic) is the widest layer of the ocean. Describe this environment.
Absolute darkness and near-freezing temperatures
Krill are small, shrimp-like animals that live in large swarms. Why are they considered a "crucial" part of the food chain?
They serve as the primary food source for many whales, seals, and fish
Jellyfish are known for their stinging cells used to stun prey. What is the correct term for a large group of jellyfish?
A bloom or swarm
Zooplankton are tiny drifting animals. What is their specific role in the ocean food web?
They act as the link between plant life (producers) and larger animals
In marine science, what is the difference between the Benthic and Pelagic zones?
Benthic is the ocean floor; Pelagic is the open water column
The Hadal Zone (or hadalpelagic zone) is the deepest region of the ocean. Where is this zone primarily located?
In deep-sea trenches and troughs
Scientists call sea stars "invertebrates" because they are not true fish. How does a sea star feed on prey like clams or oysters?
It flips its stomach out of its body to surround and digest the food
Sea turtles live in the Sunlight Zone because they are air-breathers. What is a unique characteristic of the Leatherback sea turtle?
It can grow up to 10 feet long and weigh over 2,000 pounds
What are the first four trophic levels, in order?
Producer, primary consumer, secondary consumer, tertiary consumer
he accumulation of "ooze" on the sea floor is an extremely slow process. At what rate does it collect?
Six meters every million years
In the Hadal Zone, which is found exclusively in deep-sea trenches, what is the maximum pressure exerted on the environment?
1,100 atmospheres
Tuna are large, powerful fish built for long-distance travel. Which trait best describes their behavior and physical ability?
They are fast-swimmers that often travel in schools
Whale species are divided into two groups: Baleen and Toothed. Which of the following is true regarding their diets?
Baleen whales sift krill and plankton through plates; Toothed whales eat fish and squid
Sea urchins are herbivores that live in rocky areas. What is the name of the specialized mouth they use to scrape algae?
Aristotle’s Lantern
What visible light color disappears first in the ocean, and WHY?
Red, because it's light waves are longest