General comprehension
Where does this video take place?
In the deep sea, about a kilometer below the surface.
Nearly all deep-sea animals use sound to communicate.
False – Nearly all deep-sea animals use light, not sound, to communicate.
How do prey animals use light for survival?
They use bioluminescence as a distraction, like releasing luminous ink.
The sea toad moves by swimming quickly through the water.
False – The sea toad does not swim much; it shuffles on the sea floor using its fins like feet.
What is the primary way animals in this deep-sea habitat communicate?
Through bioluminescent light signals.
The midnight zone is completely dark, with no sources of light.
False – Some creatures produce bioluminescent light.
What is "marine snow," and why is it important?
It is organic debris that falls from above and serves as a vital food source for many deep-sea creatures.
The flapjack octopus can hover just above the sea floor.
True – The flapjack octopus hovers just above the sea floor.
Name three aspects that make this environment different from others on Earth.
It is extremely dark, cold, home to unique, alien-like creatures, no plants are grown, ...
The fang tooth fish has the largest teeth for its size of any fish.
True – The fang tooth fish has the largest teeth for its size of any fish.
What special ability does the flapjack octopus have to escape danger?
It can quickly jet away when it senses a threat.
The deep-sea floor is covered in a thick layer of sand.
False – The deep-sea floor is covered in mud, formed over millions of years by the settling of marine snow.
Why do hunters in the midnight zone produce light?
To attract prey.
Siphonophores can clone themselves and grow longer than a blue whale.
True – Siphonophores can clone themselves and grow longer than a blue whale.
Why is is called the midnight zone?
The midnight zone is the name for the deep-sea layer that starts at about 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) below the ocean's surface. It's called the "midnight zone" because no natural light from the sun reaches that depth, making it completely dark, like midnight.
Some deep-sea creatures can live longer than a blue whale.
True - Siphonophores can clone themselves repeatedly and grow longer than a blue whale.
Why does the deep-sea floor appear empty at first?
It is covered in thick mud and has no visible plants, but it is home to many unique creatures.
Marine snow is a type of frozen ice found in deep-sea environments.
False – Marine snow is not ice; it is organic debris that falls from above.
What does lurk mean?
"Lurk" means to remain hidden or wait in a secretive or sneaky manner, often with the intent to surprise or ambush.
Some deep-sea animals have evolved fins that function like feet.
True - The sea toad has adapted its fins into feet, allowing it to shuffle along the sea floor instead of swimming.