Unit 7 - Oceans Flashcards
What are intertidal zones? Describe some of the characteristics.
Intertidal zones are coastal areas where the ocean meets the land, exposed to air at low tide and submerged at high tide. They are characterized by extreme environmental conditions, including fluctuating temperatures, salinity, and wave action. Organisms must be highly adaptable, with species like barnacles, mussels, and tide pool fish thriving in these zones. Zonation patterns emerge as different species occupy distinct vertical levels.
What are wetlands and salt marshes? Describe some of the characteristics.
Wetlands are ecosystems where water saturates the soil, either permanently or seasonally. They provide critical habitat, water filtration, flood control, and carbon sequestration. Salt marshes, a type of coastal wetland, are dominated by salt-tolerant vegetation like cordgrass and provide nursery grounds for many marine species. Both ecosystems help stabilize shorelines and buffer against storm surges.
What is the theory of island biogeography?
This theory explains that species richness on islands is determined by immigration and extinction rates, which are influenced by island SIZE and DISTANCE from the mainland. Larger islands and those closer to the mainland have higher biodiversity due to increased habitat diversity and higher colonization rates.
What are the two main factors that influence species richness on an island? How is species richness on islands influenced by these two factors?
The two main factors are island size and distance from the mainland. Larger islands support more species due to greater habitat variety and lower extinction rates. Islands closer to the mainland receive more frequent immigration of new species, increasing biodiversity. Small and remote islands have fewer species due to limited resources and lower colonization rates.
Are island species more likely to be specialists or generalists? Why?
Island species are more likely to be SPECIALISTS because of limited resources and reduced competition. They adapt to specific ecological niches to efficiently use available resources. However, this specialization makes them vulnerable to environmental changes and invasive species, leading to a higher risk of extinction.
What are the three types of plate boundaries? Identify and describe the characteristics of each.
- Divergent boundaries – Plates move apart, forming mid-ocean ridges and rift valleys (e.g., the Mid-Atlantic Ridge).
- Convergent boundaries – Plates collide, causing subduction zones (trenches, volcanic activity) or mountain formation (e.g., the Himalayas).
- Transform boundaries – Plates slide past each other, causing earthquakes (e.g., San Andreas Fault).
Where are volcanoes commonly located?
Volcanoes are commonly found along tectonic plate boundaries, particularly at subduction zones (e.g., the Pacific Ring of Fire). They also occur at hot spots, where plumes of magma rise from the mantle (e.g., Hawaii).
What are some of the factors that have contributed to overfishing? Think of this question with the environmental, economic, and social pillars in mind.
Environmental: Technological advancements in fishing gear increase catch rates, leading to unsustainable depletion.
Economic: High demand for seafood and profit-driven overexploitation encourage overfishing.
Social: Coastal communities depend on fishing for livelihoods, leading to continued fishing pressure despite declining stocks.
What are some of the impacts that overfishing has had? Think of this question with the environmental, economic, and social pillars in mind.
Environmental: Decline in fish populations, disruption of marine food chains, habitat destruction (e.g., trawling).
Economic: Loss of income for fishing industries, increased seafood prices, economic instability in fishing-dependent regions.
Social: Food insecurity, job losses, and cultural loss in traditional fishing communities.
What are some things that can be done to reduce the harmful effects of overfishing? Think of this question with the environmental, economic, and social pillars in mind.
Environmental: Implement marine protected areas, enforce sustainable fishing quotas, promote aquaculture.
Economic: Support eco-friendly fisheries, develop alternative income sources for fishing communities.
Social: Educate consumers on sustainable seafood choices, strengthen policies for responsible fisheries management.
What are the pros of farm-raised salmon?
- Reduces pressure on wild populations: Helps conserve wild salmon stocks by meeting market demand through aquaculture.
- Increases food availability: Provides a reliable source of protein for a growing population.
- Economic benefits: Supports jobs in the aquaculture industry and boosts local economies.
- Controlled environment: Farmers can monitor fish health, reduce disease spread, and regulate feeding to improve efficiency.
What are the cons of farm-raised salmon?
- Environmental pollution: Waste, uneaten food, and antibiotics can contaminate surrounding waters.
- Disease and parasite spread: Farmed fish can spread diseases like sea lice to wild populations.
- Use of wild fish for feed: Many farms rely on wild-caught fish for feed, contributing to overfishing.
- Genetic risks: Farmed salmon that escape can interbreed with wild populations, weakening genetic diversity.
What are the environmental, economic, and social impacts related to fish farms?
Environmental: Can cause habitat destruction (e.g., coastal mangrove deforestation), contribute to water pollution, and introduce invasive species.
Economic: Provides jobs and contributes to global seafood trade but can harm wild fisheries through competition and resource depletion.
Social: Ensures food security and affordable seafood access, but small-scale fishers may struggle to compete with large-scale aquaculture operations.
What are the environmental impacts of oil spills?
Oil spills contaminate water, coat marine organisms, and reduce oxygen levels, harming ecosystems. Toxic hydrocarbons bioaccumulate in food chains, affecting wildlife and humans. Coastal habitats like mangroves and coral reefs suffer long-term degradation.
What are the economic impacts of oil spills?
Oil spills damage fisheries, tourism, and local economies. Cleanup efforts are costly, and industries relying on clean water (e.g., shellfish farming) suffer financial losses. Lawsuits and compensation claims further strain resources.
What are the social impacts of oil spills?
Oil spills displace communities, threaten public health due to toxic exposure, and reduce food security by contaminating seafood. Psychological distress arises from economic losses and environmental destruction.
Why are oil spills more harmful for coastal communities compared to communities that are not located on coasts?
Coastal communities rely on clean water for fishing, tourism, and recreation. Oil contamination destroys these industries, leading to economic instability and health hazards. Coastal ecosystems, which provide natural storm protection and habitat, are also more directly exposed to oil spills.
Why are oil spills difficult to clean up?
Oil spreads rapidly across water surfaces, forming slicks that are hard to contain. Cleanup methods (e.g., booms, sorbents, skimmers, dispersants, burning) have limitations and can cause secondary pollution. Weather, ocean currents, and shoreline complexity further complicate cleanup efforts.
What is a wetland ecosystem?
A wetland ecosystem is an area where water saturates the land, supporting unique plant and animal life. Wetlands provide ecosystem services such as water filtration, flood control, carbon storage, and habitat for diverse species. Examples include marshes, swamps, and bogs.
What are some ways human activity might affect wetland ecosystems?
Urban development leads to habitat loss and pollution. Agriculture causes nutrient runoff, leading to eutrophication. Water diversion (e.g., dams, levees) alters hydrology, harming wetland function. Climate change raises sea levels, threatening coastal wetlands.
