Question

chapter 6: aquatic biodiversity
introduction to aquatic systems
aquatic systems cover approximately _% of earths surface with salt water and _% with fresh water.
coral reefs

• coral reefs are found in __________ areas, mostly in __________ regions
• tiny animals called ____________ give coral their beautiful colors
• these polyps are __________ that have a __________ relationship with the coral
• coral reefs provide a ____________ to coastlines, reducing water speed

threats to coral reefs

1. ____________ from local development
2. __________________________ due to rising ocean temperatures
3. __________________________ caused by excess co₂ in the atmosphere

the chemical equation for ocean acidification:
co₂ + h₂o → __________ __________
factors affecting aquatic biodiversity
the type of biodiversity in aquatic systems depends on:

• amount of ____________ content
• ____________
• amount of dissolved ____________
• availability of ____________
• amount of __________ and __________
• ____________ (cloudiness of water)

types of aquatic organisms
plankton (organisms that drift)

• __________: producers that perform photosynthesis and produce _% of earths oxygen
• ____________: secondary consumers that feed on phytoplankton
• __________ __________: tiny photosynthetic bacteria (recently discovered)

other aquatic life

• ____________: strong swimmers like fish, turtles, and whales
• ____________: bottom dwellers like oysters, clams, lobsters, and sea stars
• ____________: break down dead material to restart cycles

marine ecosystem zones

Explanation:

Aquatic systems cover about 71% of Earth's surface with salt - water and about 3% with fresh - water. Coral reefs are in shallow, warm areas, mostly in tropical regions. Zooxanthellae give coral color, they are protists with a symbiotic relationship. Coral reefs act as a buffer to coastlines. Threats include habitat destruction from local development, coral bleaching from rising temperatures, and ocean acidification from excess CO₂. The reaction of CO₂ and H₂O forms H₂CO₃. Aquatic biodiversity depends on nutrient content, water temperature, dissolved oxygen, sunlight availability, amount of salt and organic matter, and turbidity. Phytoplankton are producers making about 50 - 85% of Earth's oxygen. Zooplankton feed on phytoplankton. Prochlorococcus are tiny photosynthetic bacteria. Nekton are strong swimmers, benthos are bottom - dwellers, and decomposers break down dead material.

Answer:

• Aquatic systems cover approximately 71% of Earth's surface with salt water and 3% with fresh water.
• Coral reefs are found in shallow, warm areas, mostly in tropical regions.
• Tiny animals called zooxanthellae give coral their beautiful colors.
• These polyps are protists that have a symbiotic relationship with the coral.
• Coral reefs provide a buffer to coastlines, reducing water speed.
• Threats to Coral Reefs:
• 1. Habitat destruction from local development
• 2. Coral bleaching due to rising ocean temperatures
• 3. Ocean acidification caused by excess CO₂ in the atmosphere
• The chemical equation for ocean acidification: CO₂ + H₂O → H₂CO₃
• Factors Affecting Aquatic Biodiversity:
• Amount of nutrient content
• Water temperature
• Amount of dissolved oxygen
• Availability of sunlight
• Amount of salt and organic matter
• Turbidity (cloudiness of water)
• Types of Aquatic Organisms:
• Phytoplankton: Producers that perform photosynthesis and produce 50 - 85% of Earth's oxygen
• Zooplankton: Secondary consumers that feed on phytoplankton
• Prochlorococcus: Tiny photosynthetic bacteria (recently discovered)
• Nekton: Strong swimmers like fish, turtles, and whales
• Benthos: Bottom dwellers like oysters, clams, lobsters, and sea stars
• Decomposers: Break down dead material to restart cycles