L03 - Marine Biodiversity

Question 1

What are the two water zones:

Answer 1

coastal and oceanic

Question 2

What makes up marine biodiversity?

Answer 2

1. coral reefs
2. mangroves
3. sea grasses
4. marine bio-conservation

Question 3

what are some examples of marine resources?

Answer 3

1. mineral deposits
2. freshwater
3. petroleum
4. natural gas

Question 4

what are some examples of biological resources?

Answer 4

1. plants and animals
2. micro-organisms

Question 5

what are examples of marine energy resources?

Answer 5

energy from heat or motion of water

Question 6

what are examples of non-extractive resources?

Answer 6

1. transportation
2. recreation
3. waste disposal

Question 7

what kind of ECONOMIC services do Marine Ecosystems provide to us?

Answer 7

1. food (seafood)
2. recreation
3. oil and gas
4. employment
5. minerals
6. Coastal habitats for humans
7. Harbors and transportation routes

Question 8

what kind of ECOLOGICAL services do Marine Ecosystems provide to us?

Answer 8

1. climate moderation (Marine ecosystems help regulate climate by absorbing and releasing heat, which helps stabilize temperatures on Earth.)
2. CO2 absorption (They absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to mitigate climate change by reducing the amount of greenhouse gases.)
3. nutrient cycling (Marine ecosystems recycle nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which are essential for the growth of organisms and the overall health of the ecosystem.)
4. waste treatment (They naturally break down and filter pollutants, helping to clean the water and maintain water quality.)
5. Reduced storm impact (mangroves,
   barrier islands,coastal wetlands) (act as natural buffers against storms, reducing their impact by absorbing and dissipating wave energy.)
6. Habitats and nursery areas (Marine ecosystems provide habitats for a wide variety of species, including fish and other marine organisms. They serve as important nursery areas where young marine life can grow and develop.)

Question 9

What are the characteristics of freshwater?

Answer 9

1. Freshwater is defined as having a low salt concentration of usually <1%.
2. Plants and animals in freshwater regions are adjusted to the low salt content and would not be able to survive in areas of high salt concentration (i.e. oceans).
3. Only 0.071% of Earth’s water is fresh and available at the surface for humans.
4. More than 1,500 desalination plants worldwide.
5. 3.5 billion gallons/day, and rising!.

Question 10

What are the characteristics of wetland?

Answer 10

1. Wetlands are areas of standing water that support aquatic plants.
2. Marshes, swamps and bogs are all
   considered wetlands.
3. Highest species diversity of all fresh
   water ecosystems (including
   amphibians, reptiles, birds and
   furbearers).
4. Wetlands are mainly freshwater but also could be saltwater.

Question 11

What are Estuaries?

Answer 11

1. Areas where fresh water and salt water meet.
2. A coastal body of water, partly surrounded by land, with access to the open ocean and a large supply of fresh water from a river.
3. Estuaries are places of transition from land to sea, and from fresh to salt water.
4. Although influenced by the tides, estuaries are protected from the full force of ocean waves, winds, and storms.

Question 12

Why are Estuaries the most fertile ecosystems in the world?

Answer 12

They are the most fertile ecosystems because they are very rich in terms of biodiversity.

1. Nutrients are transported from the land into rivers that flow into the estuary.
2. Tidal action circulates nutrients and helps remove wastes.
3. A high level of sun light is available due to shallow water.
4. Many plants provide an extensive photosynthetic carpet as well as protection to marine species.