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31 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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What is a coral reef? Discuss the relationship corals and algae have, services reefs provide, and problems affecting coral reefs. Where are coral reefs in Florida found? Why should we care about coral reefs?
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*A coral reef is a the marine equivalent of a tropical rain forest in terms of biodiversity; it forms in clear, warm coastal waters of the tropics and subtropics, and is formed by massive colonies of polyps (tiny jellyfish-like animals). These polyps secrete limestone around their bodies, and when they die, the empty crusts remain behind as a platform for reef growth.
*Algae and polyps have a mutually beneficial relationship; algae grows in the tissues of the polyps, providing them food and oxygen, and producing calcium carbonate which forms the coral skeleton. In turn, polyps provide a well-protected home and nutrients for algae *Services- moderate atmostpheric temperatures by removing CO2, act as natural barrier from erosion, provide habitats for ¼ of marine organisms, important fishing, tourism & exploration *Where? – in the keys? *Why should we care? – needed for biodiversity, remove co2, provide a natural barrier |
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What are the two major aquatic life zones? Give 3 examples of each.
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Saltwater/Marine (oceans, coastal wetlands, shorelines, coral reefs, mangroves) & Freshwater (lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, and inland wetlands)
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Phytoplankton
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“drifting plants”; many types of algae; primary producers
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ZooPlankton
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“drifting animals”; primary consumers(herbivores)that feed on phytoplankton, & secondary consumers that feed on other zooplankton; (protozoa, jellyfish, etc)
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Nekton
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strongly swimming consumers like fish, turtles, and whales
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Benthos
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bottom dwellers like oysters, that anchor to one spot; clams/worms, which burrow; & lobsters/crabs that walk along the floor
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Decomposers
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(mostly bacteria) break down organic compounds in the dead bodies & wastes of aquatic organisms into nutrients that can be used by aquatic primary producers
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What Factors Limit Life at Different depths in aquatic life zones?
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Temperature, dissolved oxygen content, availability of food, and availability of light & nutrients required for photosynthesis
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Why are Oceans Important?
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Ecologically- climate moderation, co2 absorbtion, nutrient cycling, waste treatment, reduced storm impact, habitats & nursery areas, genetic resources & biodiversity, & scientific info
Economically- food, animal/pet feed, pharmaceuticals, harbors & transportation routes, coastal habitats for humans, recreation, employment, oil/natural gas, minerals, building materials |
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What are the 2 Major Life zones of the Ocean?
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Coastal, open sea, and Ocean bottom
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Which of the two major life zones of the ocean contains the most species and why?
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Coastal zone- 90% of species; high npp per unit
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What is an estuary, how are they importatn and where is our nearest estuary?
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"where rivers meet the sea"; they are important because they're some of earth's most productive ecosystems because of high nutrient inputs from river & land, rapid circulation of nutrients by tidal flow, & ample sunlight penetrating shallow waters
nearest: rookery bay |
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Coastland Wetland
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coastal land area covered with water all or part of the year
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What are mangroves?
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trees found along 70% of sandy/silty coastlines; they have extensive root systems that extend above water, where they can obtain oxygen and support the trees during periods of changing water levels
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What functions do mangroves serve?
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Maintain water quality by filtering toxic pollutants, excess plant nutrients, and sediments and by absorbing polluted water; provide food, habitats, & nurseries for species; reduce storm damage by acting as a barrier; supply timber and fuel wood
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What are Barrier Islands and what ecosystem service do they provide?
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Low, narrow, sandy islands that form offshore, parallel to coastlines
"line of defense" against the ravages of the sea (barrier) |
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What are the biggest threats to coral reefs?
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Ocean warming, soil erosion, algae growth from fertilizer runoff, bleaching, rising sea levels, increased UV, anchor damage, fishing/diving damage
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What are the biological zones of the open see?
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Euphotic, Bathyal, and Abyssal Zone
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How have human activities affected marine ecosystems?
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1/2 of coastal wetlands lost from agriculture and urban development; 1/5 of mangrove forests lost from agriculture, development, and shrimp farms; beaches eroding from coastal development & rising sea levels; ocean bottom habitats degraded by dredging & trawler fishing; over 20% of coral reefs severely damaged & 25-33% more are threatened
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What is the definition of a lake?
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A large natural body of standing freshwater formed when precipitation, runoff, or groundwater seepage fills depressions in the earth's surface
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Describe the LITTORAL ZONE of a freshwater aquatic system
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top layer; near the shore and consists of the shallow sunlit waters to the depth at which rooted plants stop growing; high diversity because of sunlight & nutrients; species include turtles, frogs, bass, carp. (freshwater aquatic system)
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Limnetic Zone
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Open, sunlit surface layer away from the shore that extends to the depth penetrated by sunlight; main photosynthetic body of the lake; produces the food and oxygen to support most of the lake's consumers; most abundant organisms- zoo/phytoplankton
(freshwater aquatic system) |
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Profundal Zone
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Deep, open water where it is too dark for photosynthesis; low oxygen, some fish
(freshwater aquatic system) |
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Benthic Zone
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Bottom of the lake; mostly decomposers, detritus feeders, and some fish
(freshwater aquatic system) |
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An Oligotrophic Lake...
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...Has a small supply of plant nutrients
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A Eutrophic Lake...
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...Has a large supply of nutrients needed by producers
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A Mesotrophic Lake...
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...is a lake in between the two extremes (med. supply)
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Describe the Phenomena of lake mixing, or, Overturn
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(made up)
when nutrients from the bottom are brought to top because the water turns |
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Define Watershed/Drainage Basin. What is the best way to protect a stream or river from excessive inputs? What watershed do I live in?
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"The land area that delivers runoff, sediment, and dissolved substances to a stream" - stop erosion...? - Caloosahatchee river
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What are freshwater inland wetlands and name 6 reasons they are important
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"lands covered w/ freshwater all or part of the time and located away from coastal areas (marshes, swamps, floodplains)
Filter & degrade toxic wastes & pollutants • Reduce flooding and erosion by absorbing storm water & releasing it slowly & by absorbing overflows from streams and lakes • Helping to replenish stream flows during dry periods • Helping to recharge groundwater aquifers • Helping maintain biodiversity by providing habitats for a variety of species • Supplying valuable products like fishes and shellfish, blueberries, and timber • Providing recreation for birdwatchers, nature photographers, boaters, anglers, and waterfowl hunters • FILTER • FLOODING • FLOWS • RECHARGE AQUIFERS • RECREATION • BIODIVERSITY • SUPPLY PRODUCTS |
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How are people having an impact on freshwater systems?
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Dams & canals fragment 40% of the worlds 237 largest rivers-- alter and destroy wildlife habitats
flood control levees and dikes built along rivers disconnect the rivers from their floodplains, destroy aquatic habitats, or alter functions of nearby wetlands Cities and farms add pollutants and excess plant nutrients to streams, rivers, and lakes |
