All Flashcards
Explain the symbiotic relationship between coral and zooxanthellae.
Algae provide coral with sugar (food), and coral provides algae with shelter and nutrients.
How does ocean warming affect marine ectotherms?
It can cause metabolic stress, impairing their ability to metabolize food and reproduce.
Why are corals important?
Corals are the foundation of the coral reef ecosystem, which supports a large amount of marine life.
How does melting sea ice affect albedo?
Melting sea ice decreases albedo, causing the Earth to absorb more solar radiation and further warm.
Explain the impact of sea-level rise on coastal habitats.
Sea-level rise can inundate coastal habitats, leading to habitat loss and displacement of species.
Why is the ocean important in regulating global temperatures?
The ocean absorbs a large amount of heat, helping to regulate global temperatures. However, excess heat absorption leads to ocean warming.
What is the role of the ocean in the carbon cycle?
The ocean absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, acting as a carbon sink. However, increased CO2 absorption leads to ocean acidification.
How do changes in ocean currents impact global climate?
Ocean currents distribute heat around the globe, influencing regional climates. Changes in these currents can lead to significant climate shifts.
Steps of coral bleaching?
- Ocean temperature increases. 2. Zooxanthellae become stressed. 3. Zooxanthellae are expelled from coral tissue. 4. Coral turns white and loses its primary food source. 5. Coral may die.
What are the steps of sea ice melting?
- Global temperatures rise. 2. Polar regions warm. 3. Sea ice melts. 4. Albedo decreases. 5. Ocean absorbs more heat.
Significance of ocean temperature for marine ectotherms?
Ectotherms' body temperature closely matches the water temperature, impacting their metabolism and reproduction.
Explain the coral-zooxanthellae symbiotic relationship.
Algae provide coral with sugar; coral provides algae with shelter and nutrients.
Impact of melting sea ice on albedo?
Melting ice reduces albedo, leading to increased absorption of solar radiation and further warming.
How does ocean warming affect coral reefs?
Increased temperatures cause coral bleaching, leading to coral death and reef degradation.
How does ocean warming affect sea levels?
Warming causes thermal expansion of water and melting of ice caps, leading to sea-level rise.