Question

part 3: benthic vs. pelagic

1. the \bottom\ line:

distinguish between the pelagic environment and the benthic environment.

• pelagic:

• benthic:

1. texas connection: the gulf of mexico

the flower garden banks national marine sanctuary is located about 100 miles off the texas coast.

• since it sits on the continental shelf, which horizontal zone is it in?
• since it is a coral reef that relies on photosynthesis, which vertical zone is it in?

Explanation:

1. For question 6: Pelagic environments are the open water columns of marine/ aquatic systems, where organisms live and drift/swim freely away from the seafloor. Benthic environments refer to the bottom surfaces and sub-surfaces of aquatic systems, including the seafloor, sediment, and areas attached to the bottom.
2. For question 7: The neritic zone is the horizontal marine zone that covers the continental shelf, extending from the coast to the shelf break. The euphotic zone is the vertical marine zone where sunlight penetrates sufficiently to support photosynthesis, which is required for coral reefs (and their symbiotic algae) to survive.

Answer:

6.

• Pelagic: The open water column of aquatic/marine ecosystems, away from the seafloor, where organisms swim or drift freely.
• Benthic: The bottom environment of aquatic/marine ecosystems, including the seafloor, sediment, and areas attached to the bottom.

7.

• Since it sits on the continental shelf, which horizontal zone is it in? Neritic Zone
• Since it is a coral reef that relies on photosynthesis, which vertical zone is it in? Euphotic Zone