Biodiversity
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Water
Test your knowledge on Marine Biology by taking this quiz!
Why do most scientists think that life started in the oceans?
What causes ocean tides?
the pull of gravity from the Sun
the pull of gravity from the Moon
the pull of gravity from the Sun and the Moon
What is an ecosystem?
a system that scientists use to organize their field notes
a system that animals use to look after their young
a community of organisms that depend on each other and their surroundings
ANSWER: a community of organisms that depend on each other and their surroundings
Ecosystems are made up of communities of organisms that depend on each other and their surroundings. Kelp forests, continental shelves, and mangrove forests are all examples of ocean ecosystems.
Where can you find the greatest diversity of life on Earth?
on land
in the oceans
in your bathroom
ANSWER: in the oceans
Life in the oceans is much more diverse than life on land; oceans have many more different kinds of organisms.
What is plankton?
small, floating animals and algae that live in the ocean
pieces of dead wood that float down rivers to the ocean
ocean plants that sink in heavy storms
ANSWER: small, floating animals and algae that live in the ocean
Plankton are small animals ( zooplankton ) and algae ( phytoplankton ) that live in the ocean. They drift on currents and provide food for many ocean residents.
What is the biggest animal that ever lived?
King Kong
Tyrannosaurus rex
the blue whale
ANSWER: the blue whale
The blue whale is the largest animal that ever lived. An adult can be longer than three school buses stretched end-to-end, and weigh as much as 28 African elephants!
What is bioluminescence?
the sunlight that penetrates through the trees in a rain forest
glowing lights on animals' bodies
the secret ingredient in chocolate chip cookies
ANSWER: glowing lights on animals' bodies
Bioluminescence makes animals' bodies glow. Chemicals mix together to produce "cold light," which doesn't give off any heat. Some bioluminescent animals get their glow from tiny microbes that live inside light organs in their bodies.
Where can you find 80 percent of all ocean life?
in the deep sea
in Florida
on the continental shelves
ANSWER: on the continental shelves
Eighty percent of all ocean life is found on the continental shelves . This is because shallow water and the closeness to land provide food, light , and shelter—the conditions needed to support large quantities of life.
Below 2,000 feet, the ocean is...
completely frozen over
completely dark
full of seaweed
ANSWER: completely dark
When you go below 2,000 feet underwater, no sunlight can penetrate through and you find yourself in total darkness. Fewer animals live in this "twilight zone." Most of their food is provided by sea snow and zooplankton.
The biggest threat to the oceans is...
human beings
killer whales
killer bees
ANSWER: human beings
We are the biggest threat to the oceans. Over the years we've overfished and polluted the seas. YOU can help change things by becoming an ocean helper!