All Flashcards
How do buffer zones help protect coastal wetlands?
Reduce nutrient runoff from agricultural fields.
How do cover crops help protect coastal wetlands?
Reduce nutrient runoff from agricultural fields.
Define aquatic biome.
Biome characterized by the presence of water, either freshwater or saltwater.
What is a freshwater biome?
Aquatic biome with low salinity, including lakes, rivers, and wetlands.
What is a marine biome?
Aquatic biome with high salinity, including oceans, coral reefs, and estuaries.
Define a eutrophic lake.
A lake with high productivity due to abundant nutrients.
Define a mesotrophic lake.
A lake with moderate productivity.
Define an oligotrophic lake.
A lake with low productivity due to low nutrient levels.
Define the littoral zone.
Shallow area near the shore of a lake or pond with high photosynthesis.
Define the limnetic zone.
Open water area of a lake or pond where sunlight can reach.
Define the profundal zone.
Deep area of a lake or pond where sunlight cannot reach.
Define the benthic zone.
The muddy bottom of a lake, ocean, or other body of water.
Define salt marsh.
Coastal wetland with non-woody plants, often found in estuaries.
Define mangrove swamp.
Coastal wetland with salt-tolerant trees with submerged roots.
Define intertidal zone.
Area of coastline between high and low tide marks.
Define coral bleaching.
The expulsion of algae from coral, often due to rising temperatures or ocean acidification.
Define photic zone.
The upper layer of the ocean where sunlight penetrates, allowing photosynthesis.
Define aphotic zone.
The deep layer of the ocean where sunlight does not penetrate.
Why are aquatic biomes important?
They support biodiversity, play a role in the water cycle, and provide resources for humans.
What determines productivity in lakes?
Nutrient levels (nitrogen and phosphorus) determine productivity.
Why are wetlands important?
They prevent floods, filter pollutants, and provide habitat for migrating birds.
What is the significance of estuaries?
They are highly productive areas where freshwater rivers meet the ocean, providing nutrients and serving as nurseries for many species.
Why are mangrove swamps important?
They protect coastlines from storms and erosion and provide habitat for many species.
Why are coral reefs important?
They are highly biodiverse ecosystems that provide habitat for many species and protect coastlines.
What is the role of photosynthetic algae in coral reefs?
They provide food for corals and are essential for their survival.
What are ecosystem services?
Benefits that biomes provide, such as water filtration, flood control, and habitat.
Describe the importance of oxygen levels in streams and rivers.
Higher oxygen levels, typically found in fast-moving water, are essential for supporting freshwater fish and other aquatic life.
Explain the challenges faced by organisms in the intertidal zone.
Organisms must adapt to changing conditions, including being underwater during high tide and exposed to air and sun during low tide.