Question

question 37
2.5 pts
which of the following is the best argument to support protecting salt marsh plants like mangroves and other semiaquatic trees?

• they should be protected because they anchor the shoreline from erosion during storms.
• they should be protected because they kill endangered species.
• they should be protected because they increase pollution in estuaries.
• they should be protected because there is a limited amount of plants on earth and they make most of our oxygen.

question 38
2.5 pts
how would a large increase in the salinity of an estuary most likely affect the ecosystem of the estuary?

• all organisms would die.
• the number of salt - tolerant organisms would increase, and the number of salt - intolerant organisms would decrease.
• the number of salt - intolerant organisms would increase, and the number of salt - tolerant organisms would decrease.
• all organisms would continue to live as they now do.

Explanation:

Question 37: Mangroves and salt marsh plants have root systems that stabilize shorelines, reducing erosion from storms—a key ecological benefit justifying protection. Other options are incorrect (killing endangered species and increasing pollution are harms; most oxygen comes from phytoplankton, not these trees).
Question 38: Estuary organisms have varying salt tolerance. Higher salinity favors salt-tolerant species (they thrive), while salt-intolerant species struggle or decline, altering the ecosystem balance. Extreme claims (all die/unchanged) are unrealistic.

Answer:

Question 37: They should be protected because they anchor the shoreline from erosion during storms.
Question 38: The number of salt-tolerant organisms would increase, and the number of salt-intolerant organisms would decrease.