Question

1 what are coastal ecosystems?
2 name three types of coastal ecosystems mentioned in the text
3 what is an estuary?
4 how do mangrove forests help protect coastlines?
5 what type of plants are found in salt marshes?
6 why are seagrass beds important for marine animals?
7 what human activity has negatively affected coastal ecosystems?
8 what is the main purpose of marine protected areas (mpas)?
9 how does climate change impact coastal ecosystems?
10 what is one way people are trying to restore the chesapeake bay?

Explanation:

1. Coastal ecosystems are dynamic areas where land meets the sea, characterized by unique habitats and species adapted to fluctuating salinity and tides.
2. Three common types are estuaries, mangrove forests, and salt - marshes.
3. An estuary is a partially enclosed coastal body of water where freshwater from rivers and streams mixes with saltwater from the ocean.
4. Mangrove forests protect coastlines by reducing wave energy, trapping sediments, and preventing erosion.
5. Salt - tolerant plants such as cordgrasses and pickleweeds are found in salt marshes.
6. Seagrass beds are important for marine animals as they provide food, shelter, and breeding grounds.
7. Human activities like coastal development, pollution, and over - fishing have negatively affected coastal ecosystems.
8. The main purpose of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) is to conserve marine biodiversity, protect habitats, and sustain fisheries.
9. Climate change impacts coastal ecosystems through sea - level rise, increased storm intensity, and ocean acidification.
10. One way people are trying to restore the Chesapeake Bay is by reducing nutrient pollution through better land - use practices and wastewater treatment.

Answer:

1. Dynamic areas where land meets sea with unique habitats and species adapted to fluctuating salinity and tides.
2. Estuaries, mangrove forests, salt - marshes.
3. Partially enclosed coastal body of water where freshwater mixes with saltwater.
4. Reduce wave energy, trap sediments, prevent erosion.
5. Salt - tolerant plants like cordgrasses and pickleweeds.
6. Provide food, shelter, breeding grounds.
7. Coastal development, pollution, over - fishing.
8. Conserve marine biodiversity, protect habitats, sustain fisheries.
9. Sea - level rise, increased storm intensity, ocean acidification.
10. Reducing nutrient pollution through better land - use practices and wastewater treatment.