Chapter 4
What is the role of producers in an ecosystem?
Producers make their own food through photosynthesis and provide energy for other organisms
What is the role of the ozone layer?
It absorbs UV rays and protects life on Earth
What adaptations do marine organisms have for surviving in saltwater?
Marine organisms regulate salt levels in their bodies through processes like osmosis
What are the 3 types of Symbiosis?
Mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism
What process allows producers to make their own food?
Photosynthesis or chemosynthesis
Why is surface runoff important?
It carries water to rivers, lakes, and oceans, replenishing them
What is the role of echolocation in mapping the ocean floor?
Echolocation uses sound waves to determine the depth and features of the ocean floor
How do air pressure changes affect weather?
Air pressure influences wind and precipitation patterns
How is energy transferred in an energy pyramid?
Energy decreases by about 90% at each level, with only 10% passed to the next level
How can climate change affect the water cycle?
Increased temperatures could intensify evaporation and alter precipitation patterns
Define tides and explain their cause.
Tides are the regular rise and fall of ocean water caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun
How do plants contribute to the water cycle?
Through transpiration, releasing water vapor into the atmosphere
Give an example of a limiting factor in an ecosystem.
food, water, predator-prey cycle, territorialism or disease
How do local winds like sea breezes and land breezes form?
Sea breezes form when land heats up faster than water, and land breezes occur when land cools faster than water
How do ocean gyres affect global climate?
Ocean gyres transport warm and cold water across the globe, affecting climate patterns and precipitation
Explain the greenhouse effect and its significance.
The greenhouse effect traps heat in Earth's atmosphere, keeping the planet warm enough for life
What is the importance of predator-prey Cycle in ecosystems?
They maintain population balance and prevent overpopulation of prey
How does the ocean depth affect organisms?
Deeper layers have less light, higher pressure, and colder temperatures, requiring special adaptations
What are the impacts of human activities on marine ecosystems?
Overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction harm marine biodiversity and disrupt ecosystem balance
How do coral reefs support marine biodiversity?
Coral reefs provide shelter, food, and breeding grounds for a variety of marine organisms