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Salt marshes are common ecosystems found on coastlines that stretch from Maryland to Florida. They are areas of grassland that grow between the land and the sea, and are regularly submerged in salt water as the tide changes. They offer a number of benefits including pollution filtration, protection from erosion, and nurseries for many fisheries. Without Spartina alterniflora, commonly called cordgrass, to bind sediment and protect wildlife, the salt marsh ecosystem will collapse. shows a general salt marsh food web. The primary consumer of the cordgrass is the periwinkle snail. Scientists conducted an experiment to determine the impact of snails on the grass. It was concluded that when all the predators of the snails were removed from the marsh, the snails ate the cordgrass at such high rates, it devastated the area and created barren mud flats. This study also showed that the snails preferred living cordgrass due to the high nitrogen content levels found in the plant from mainland runoff. The Chesapeake Biological Laboratory in Maryland conducted a different study to estimate the total number of blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay area, which is a predator of the periwinkle snail. They found that the blue crab population was steadily declining from 1990 to 2014, due to fisheries over harvesting the crab population. Scientists in the Chesapeake Bay study have concluded that all states with coastal salt marshes should put in policies to protect the crab population. Scientists warn that if these issues are ignored, we could potentially see a collapse of this vital ecosystem.
Where does Spartina alterniflora obtain its energy?
a. periwinkle snail b. sun c. nitrogen levels d. saltwater
b. Sun
Salt marshes are common ecosystems found on coastlines that stretch from Maryland to Florida. They are areas of grassland that grow between the land and the sea, and are regularly submerged in salt water as the tide changes. They offer a number of benefits including pollution filtration, protection from erosion, and nurseries for many fisheries. Without Spartina alterniflora, commonly called cordgrass, to bind sediment and protect wildlife, the salt marsh ecosystem will collapse.Figure 1 shows a general salt marsh food web. The primary consumer of the cordgrass is the periwinkle snail. Scientists conducted an experiment to determine the impact of snails on the grass. It was concluded that when all the predators of the snails were removed from the marsh, the snails ate the cordgrass at such high rates, it devastated the area and created barren mud flats. This study also showed that the snails preferred living cordgrass due to the high nitrogen content levels found in the plant from mainland runoff. The Chesapeake Biological Laboratory in Maryland conducted a different study to estimate the total number of blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay area, which is a predator of the periwinkle snail. They found that the blue crab population was steadily declining from 1990 to 2014, due to fisheries over harvesting the crab population. Scientists in the Chesapeake Bay study have concluded that all states with coastal salt marshes should put in policies to protect the crab population. Scientists warn that if these issues are ignored, we could potentially see a collapse of this vital ecosystem. Ribbed mussels are a shelled organism similar to oysters that are commonly found in salt marshes. These organisms rely on cordgrass for protection from predators and heat from the sun.
Draw a graph which best represents the change in the mussel population if blue crabs continue to be overharvested?
Decline graph
Cloning is an emerging field that could allow livestock breeders to create exact genetic copies of existing animals that produce high quantities of goods. Which of the following would best explain an environmental impact from the use of cloned livestock?
a. Consuming these livestock will cause genetic modifications in humans.
b. The genetic diversity of the livestock will decrease. c. Farmers will use more antibiotics to keep the clone healthy.
d. More food will be produced leading to a decrease in worldwide hunger.
b. The genetic diversity of the livestock will decrease.
Salt marshes are common ecosystems found on coastlines that stretch from Maryland to Florida. They are areas of grassland that grow between the land and the sea, and are regularly submerged in salt water as the tide changes. They offer a number of benefits including pollution filtration, protection from erosion, and nurseries for many fisheries. Without Spartina alterniflora, commonly called cordgrass, to bind sediment and protect wildlife, the salt marsh ecosystem will collapse.Figure 1 shows a general salt marsh food web. The primary consumer of the cordgrass is the periwinkle snail. Scientists conducted an experiment to determine the impact of snails on the grass. It was concluded that when all the predators of the snails were removed from the marsh, the snails ate the cordgrass at such high rates, it devastated the area and created barren mud flats. This study also showed that the snails preferred living cordgrass due to the high nitrogen content levels found in the plant from mainland runoff. The Chesapeake Biological Laboratory in Maryland conducted a different study to estimate the total number of blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay area, which is a predator of the periwinkle snail. They found that the blue crab population was steadily declining from 1990 to 2014, due to fisheries over harvesting the crab population. Scientists in the Chesapeake Bay study have concluded that all states with coastal salt marshes should put in policies to protect the crab population. Scientists warn that if these issues are ignored, we could potentially see a collapse of this vital ecosystem.
How would the over harvesting of blue crabs impact the salt marsh ecosystem?
a. The over harvesting of blue crabs would cause the marshes to become barren due to the increase in the snail population.
b. The over harvesting of the blue crabs will lead to the extinction of the otter due to the loss of a food source.
c. The over harvesting of blue crabs would cause the marshes to become overpopulated with cordgrass due to the increase in nitrogen levels.
d.The over harvesting of blue crabs will increase the food source for other predators leading to an increase in biodiversity.
a. The over harvesting of blue crabs would cause the marshes to become barren due to the increase in the snail population.
Glyphosate is a herbicide used by farmers to kill weeds. Which statement best describes why environmental monitoring for glyphosate was performed?
a. to evaluate ways glyphosate can impact an ecosystem
b. to determine if glyphosate would cause serious harm to human populations
c. to ensure all chemicals are banned as soon as possible to protect public health
d. to predict if all chemicals are harmful to local pollinator insect populations
a. to evaluate ways glyphosate can impact an ecosystem
Shrimp farming, an aquaculture business that produces shrimp for human consumption, has been on the rise. Consequences of shrimp farming include pollution of waterways, food webs collapsing, and habitat loss. Since 2013, multiple countries and independent fish farms have adopted new standards in shrimp farming to reduce its negative impact on the environment.
How will this change affect impacted ecosystems?
a. food webs will begin to collapse
b. the ecosystem will experience habitat degradation c. biodiversity will decrease
d. local populations will stabilize
d. local populations will stabilize
Salt marshes are common ecosystems found on coastlines that stretch from Maryland to Florida. They are areas of grassland that grow between the land and the sea, and are regularly submerged in salt water as the tide changes. They offer a number of benefits including pollution filtration, protection from erosion, and nurseries for many fisheries. Without Spartina alterniflora, commonly called cordgrass, to bind sediment and protect wildlife, the salt marsh ecosystem will collapse.Figure 1 shows a general salt marsh food web. The primary consumer of the cordgrass is the periwinkle snail. Scientists conducted an experiment to determine the impact of snails on the grass. It was concluded that when all the predators of the snails were removed from the marsh, the snails ate the cordgrass at such high rates, it devastated the area and created barren mud flats. This study also showed that the snails preferred living cordgrass due to the high nitrogen content levels found in the plant from mainland runoff. The Chesapeake Biological Laboratory in Maryland conducted a different study to estimate the total number of blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay area, which is a predator of the periwinkle snail. They found that the blue crab population was steadily declining from 1990 to 2014, due to fisheries over harvesting the crab population. Scientists in the Chesapeake Bay study have concluded that all states with coastal salt marshes should put in policies to protect the crab population. Scientists warn that if these issues are ignored, we could potentially see a collapse of this vital ecosystem. Using Figure 1,
which of the following best explains the difference in the amount of available energy in the trophic levels of the salt marsh ecosystem?
a. There is less energy available in the cordgrass because there are high levels of nitrogen from runoff.
b. There is less available energy for the herring gull because of the loss of energy through metabolism in each of the lower trophic levels.
c. There is more available energy in the otter because they have greater muscle mass.
d. There is more energy available in the second trophic level because more energy and nutrients are available in the cordgrass.
b. There is less available energy for the herring gull because of the loss of energy through metabolism in each of the lower trophic levels.
In 2001, ecologists began restoring areas of a butterfly's habitat due to continued evidence that the butterfly population had been declining. Further evidence was collected showing the decline in population was due to habitat loss.
If the habitat restoration continues, which of these will most likely happen to the butterfly population?
a. The emergence of new butterfly species will occur. b. The average size of butterflies will increase.
c. The butterfly population will become extinct.
d. The butterfly population will have a greater chance of stabilizing.
d. The butterfly population will have a greater chance of stabilizing.
In recent years, there has been a campaign to reduce consumption of single-use plastics, like straws and forks. The table below shows average time frames for different single-use materials to decompose in the ground and be recycled into the environment.
Single-use Material Time to decompose Plastic 200 years Bamboo 1 year Sugarcane 6 months Paper 6 weeks
Which of the following describes the environmental impact of continued use of single-use plastic.
a. Single-use plastic decomposes over a long period of time providing nutrients to the soil.
b. Single-use plastic decomposes over a long period of time contributing to global pollution.
c. All single-use materials remain in the environment years after they are discarded.
d. Most single-use materials decompose within 2 years providing oxygen to the environment.
b. Single-use plastic decomposes over a long period of time contributing to global pollution.
Salt marshes are common ecosystems found on coastlines that stretch from Maryland to Florida. They are areas of grassland that grow between the land and the sea, and are regularly submerged in salt water as the tide changes. They offer a number of benefits including pollution filtration, protection from erosion, and nurseries for many fisheries. Without Spartina alterniflora, commonly called cordgrass, to bind sediment and protect wildlife, the salt marsh ecosystem will collapse.Figure 1 shows a general salt marsh food web. The primary consumer of the cordgrass is the periwinkle snail. Scientists conducted an experiment to determine the impact of snails on the grass. It was concluded that when all the predators of the snails were removed from the marsh, the snails ate the cordgrass at such high rates, it devastated the area and created barren mud flats. This study also showed that the snails preferred living cordgrass due to the high nitrogen content levels found in the plant from mainland runoff. The Chesapeake Biological Laboratory in Maryland conducted a different study to estimate the total number of blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay area, which is a predator of the periwinkle snail. They found that the blue crab population was steadily declining from 1990 to 2014, due to fisheries over harvesting the crab population. Scientists in the Chesapeake Bay study have concluded that all states with coastal salt marshes should put in policies to protect the crab population. Scientists warn that if these issues are ignored, we could potentially see a collapse of this vital ecosystem.
According to the salt marsh study, which of the following is a limiting factor for the cordgrass?
a. nitrogen level
b. sunlight intensity
c. salinity level
d. snail population
d. snail population
To control the spread of diseases by mosquitoes, scientists intend to release genetically modified mosquitoes in Florida. The genetically modified mosquitoes do not consume blood and produce offspring that will die before they fully mature and are able to reproduce.
Which statement describes the environmental impact of releasing genetically modified mosquitoes?
a. A decrease in the transmission of viruses to the human population.
b. An increase in the use of pesticides leading to runoff.
c. A decrease in the population of organisms that prey on adult mosquitoes.
d. An increase in the number of mosquito bites in rural areas.
a. A decrease in the transmission of viruses to the human population.
Scientists can use a process called bioremediation to clean up oil spills in the ocean. In this process, microorganisms are introduced to the polluted waters, where they consume the oil and break it down into harmless substances, such as fatty acids or carbon dioxide.
How would this biotechnology impact the environment?
a. The fatty acids in the ocean will give native species a long term energy source to stay warm in the winter.
b. The microorganisms will compete with native populations for nutrients found in the ocean waters.
c. The carbon dioxide released by the microorganisms will cause the ocean to heat up and cause biodiversity to decrease.
d. The oil in the ocean can be broken down into naturally occurring substances to lessen the decline in biodiversity.
d. The oil in the ocean can be broken down into naturally occurring substances to lessen the decline in biodiversity.
Salt marshes are common ecosystems found on coastlines that stretch from Maryland to Florida. They are areas of grassland that grow between the land and the sea, and are regularly submerged in salt water as the tide changes. They offer a number of benefits including pollution filtration, protection from erosion, and nurseries for many fisheries. Without Spartina alterniflora, commonly called cordgrass, to bind sediment and protect wildlife, the salt marsh ecosystem will collapse.Figure 1 shows a general salt marsh food web. The primary consumer of the cordgrass is the periwinkle snail. Scientists conducted an experiment to determine the impact of snails on the grass. It was concluded that when all the predators of the snails were removed from the marsh, the snails ate the cordgrass at such high rates, it devastated the area and created barren mud flats. This study also showed that the snails preferred living cordgrass due to the high nitrogen content levels found in the plant from mainland runoff. The Chesapeake Biological Laboratory in Maryland conducted a different study to estimate the total number of blue crabs in the Chesapeake Bay area, which is a predator of the periwinkle snail. They found that the blue crab population was steadily declining from 1990 to 2014, due to fisheries over harvesting the crab population. Scientists in the Chesapeake Bay study have concluded that all states with coastal salt marshes should put in policies to protect the crab population. Scientists warn that if these issues are ignored, we could potentially see a collapse of this vital ecosystem.
Why would scientists recommend Florida officials monitor the periwinkle snail population?
a. To ensure the blue crabs have a reliable food source so fisheries can continue harvesting for human consumption.
b. To ensure the salt marshes do not become empty terrain.
c. To ensure the cordgrass nitrogen levels are not affecting the snail shell.
d. To ensure the diamondback terrapin is not affected by the snails' consumption of nitrogen rich cordgrass.
b. To ensure the salt marshes do not become empty terrain.
The city wants to close one of the sewage treatment plants in an effort to save money. This would then require all sewage to be rerouted to a neighboring plant. Before moving forward with this plan, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) begins monitoring the water quality around the affected treatment plants.
Why is it important for the EPA to monitor water quality around each sewage treatment plant?
a. Showing that the water quality is very high before the switch will support the city’s decision to make the change.
c. Monitoring water quality allows scientists to collect data on the pH levels, nitrogen levels, and other contaminants that are being added due to the sewage plants.
c. Monitoring the environment ahead of time will allow the EPA to evaluate the impact of additional sewage being rerouted.
d. Data collection is not relevant to the city's decision as they will not be able to determine the effect until after the change has been made.
b. Monitoring water quality allows scientists to collect data on the pH levels, nitrogen levels, and other contaminants that are being added due to the sewage plants.
A city successfully implemented a new water filtration system to reduce the concentration of a contaminant that was causing health issues. Initial data from the past two years shows a significant decrease in the contaminant levels.
Which statement best describes why it is important to continue monitoring even though levels of contaminant have dropped?
a. To determine the levels of other pollutants in the water.
b. To compare the water quality of treated and untreated samples.
c. To detect a potential increase in the contaminant levels and prevent future issues.
d. To identify a new, beneficial use for the contaminant in the water.
c. To detect a potential increase in the contaminant levels and prevent future issues.