Biodiversity
What is the "map" that shows how different food-chains are connected in an ecosystem called?
Food web
Is there more saltwater or freshwater on earth?
Saltwater (roughly 97%)
Plastic, trash, oil, or sewage in the ocean is called?
Pollution
What is the science concept that allows heavy boats to float?
Buoyancy
What is an ecosystem?
A community of living things and their environment
What is an adaptation? Example?
An adaptation is a physical or behavioral feature that helps an organism survive in its environment.
What are the 3 types of freshwater waterbodies?
Lakes, ponds, rivers
How does pollution in one place affect other areas?
Water carries it downstream, affecting distant ecosystems
How do paddles move boats forward?
Work by using the blade to push against the water, creating a force that propels the boat forward
What is a consumer in an ecosystem?
An organism that eats other organisms
Name an animal that lives in both saltwater and freshwater
Otters, turtles, salmon, alligators/crocodiles
Name 2 types of wetlands
Marsh, swamp, bog, or fen
What is habitat destruction, and how does it affect aquatic species?
It's when natural homes are damaged; animals lose shelter or food
How does The Ocean Cleanup's System 001 work?
Passively catches and concentrates plastic debris using the natural forces of the ocean
1 Impact of invasive species on native species
Outcompete, disrupt food webs, damage habitats, spread diseases
What role do producers play in biodiversity?
They provide energy at the base of the food web
How do organisms adapt to survive in their environment?
Through physical traits (fins, gills, camouflage) or behaviors
How can humans help protect coral reefs?
Reef-safe sunscreen, reducing pollution, conservation laws
Why is it important to design invasive species traps that match the species’ size and behavior?
So that the trap is effective at catching the target species without harming native animals
What are 3 abiotic factors of an ecosystem?
Water, sunlight, temperature, oxygen, or nutrients
What might happen if a keystone species disappears?
The entire ecosystem could become unstable or collapse
Why are wetlands sometimes called “nature’s kidneys”?
Because they filter out pollutants and clean water naturally, just like kidneys do for the body
What challenges make it difficult for communities to remove invasive species once they are widespread?
Invasives often reproduce quickly, spread easily, and lack predators; removal methods can be expensive and harm native species
What features would you need to consider when designing a floating structure to support wildlife in a wetland?
Buoyancy, balance, durability in wet environments, and non-toxic, “nature-safe” materials
Describe how energy flows through an aquatic food web.
From sun → producers → consumers → decomposers