Question:
What role do coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds play in marine ecosystems?
Answer:
They provide habitat and breeding grounds for a wide variety of marine life, which is crucial for ecosystem health and biodiversity.
Question:
Which biotic marine resources is the most important?
Answer:
Fisheries
Explain the dual role of coral reefs in both tourism and marine biodiversity conservation. How can sustainable tourism practices protect these roles?
Reefs attract tourists.
Provides income and jobs.
Serve as critical habitats for marine life.
Sustainable tourism reduces degradation and funds conservation.
What problem with governance can lead to increased conflicts over aquatic resources?
Weak governance and management.
Question:
How do marine ecosystems help in regulating Earth's climate?
Answer:
The ocean absorbs carbon dioxide and heat, while marine ecosystems like mangroves and phytoplankton help control atmospheric conditions and weather patterns.
Question:
What is an example of an abiotic resource and how is it used in commercial activities?
Answer:
Salt (harvested from seawater for industrial and culinary use)
Magnesium (extracted from seawater for use in manufacturing)
Iron (found in ocean sediments and used for industrial purposes)
Oil (Offshore drilling for petroleum used in energy production, transportation, and various industries.)
What bioactive compound is derived from marine organisms, mainly used to treat leukemia?
Cytarabine
What is one simple way to save water at home?
Water conservation
Question:
Why is protecting threatened and endangered marine species, such as whales and dolphins, important for marine ecosystems?
Answer:
Protecting these species helps preserve biodiversity, which is essential for maintaining ecosystem balance.
Question:
How does the ocean support recreational activities and local economies?
Answer:
The ocean supports tourism and leisure activities like boating, diving, and fishing, which promote mental well-being and generate revenue for local economies.
Which component derived from seaweed is widely used in dairy-free products and processed meats to improve texture?
Carrageenan
If many people don't understand why it's important to keep rivers clean, what's one simple way to help them care more?
Public education and awareness.
Question:
Enumerate four key roles of marine ecosystems in regulating the Earth's climate and atmosphere.
Answer:
Absorbing carbon dioxide
Absorbing heat from the atmosphere
Regulating weather patterns through phytoplankton
Acting as a carbon sink through mangroves and seagrass beds
Question:
Enumerate five examples of biotic marine resources used for commercial purposes.
Answer:
Fish (for seafood)
Shellfish (for consumption)
Seaweed (used in food and industrial products)
Marine mammals (whales for oil)
Coral (used in jewelry and ornaments)
Evaluate the paradox of marine aquaculture as both a solution to overfishing and a contributor to environmental degradation. Discuss both sides with examples.
Solution: Reduces pressure on wild stocks, increases seafood supply (e.g., salmon farms).
Problem: Can cause pollution, disease transmission, and escape of invasive species. Example: Open-net salmon farms polluting coastal waters.
The paragraph says aquatic resources provide "essential services." Give one example of how a healthy ocean helps the planet.
It supports biodiversity, provides food, helps regulate the climate, or offers transportation routes.