Oceanography Final Exam

What marine resource has been rendered uneconomical due to the cost of excavation? a. Magnesium compounds b. Manganese nodules c. Sand and gravel d. Salt

There are different ways of mining manganese nodules. Unfortunately, none of the methods people have come up with have made it cost effective to mine these nodules. There may come a point in time when the mining of these nodules becomes economical. Information can be found in the section Physical Resources.

A bacteriophage is a virus that infects bacteria?

True

Of the marine Archaea, _____________ account for 5-20% of the cells in deep or surface waters while ___________ account for up to 40% of the prokaryotes in deep ocean waters.

b. Euryarchaeota; Thaumarchaeota/Crenarchaeota

Prochlorococcus are common to oceanic gyres, environments classified as a. Eutrophic b. Oligotropic c. Hypoxic d. Anoxic

b. Oligotropic

Some __________ are considered to be extremophiles. a.Eukarya b.Archaea c.Plantae d.Animalia

b.Archaea

Virus types include all of the following except: a. DNA b. RNA c. Multicellular d. Double-stranded

c. Multicellular

Why are marine viruses important? a.Strong influence on bacterial and algal populations b.Microbial food web & nutrient cycling c. Pathogenic d.Carbon cycle e.All of the above

e.All of the above

The first fish evolved about 50 million years ago.

. ANS: F Fish evolved approximately 500 million years ago. They had no jaws, but they possessed the chordate body plan. Fish have evolved into many varieties to suit the endless niches and environments they occupy. Information can be found in the section Fishes Are Earth's Most Abundant and Successful Vertebrates.

How long does it take for many plastics to decompose? a. 50 years b. 100 years c. 250 years d. 400 years

3. ANS: D There are advantages of using plastics. They are durable and stable. Unfortunately, these advantages also make them difficult to decompose in marine environments. Information can be found in the section Marine Pollutants May Be Natural or Human Generated.

What is thought to aid the proliferation and spread of hydrothermal vents? a. Seep communities b. Climax communities c. Whale falls d. Succession

ANS: C The fallen bodies of whales are thought to be stepping stones for the vent communities. The larva of vent organisms might be able to sense these whale falls in between settling at hydrothermal vents. Information can be found in the section Examples of Marine Communities.

What is the source of high carbon dioxide levels at middle depths in the ocean? a. The decay of the remains of organisms b. It diffuses from the atmosphere c. Chemical reactions d. Plant respiration

ANS: A Carbon dioxide levels in the middle depths of the ocean are higher than they are at the surface. Respiration from animals and the decay of the remains of organisms are the large contributors to these high levels of carbon dioxide. Information can be found in the section The Ocean's Acid-Base Balance Varies with Dissolved Components and Depth.

What is considered the most advanced animal phyla? a. Chordata b. Echinodermata c. Mollusca d. Arthropoda

ANS: A Chordata is the most advanced phylum. The animals in this phylum have a rigid notochord, hallow dorsal nerve system, and gill slits at some point in their development. Information can be found in the section Construction of Complex Chordate Bodies Begins on a Stiffening Scaffold.

What is the study of the balance between environmental factors and organisms in a community? a. Ecology b. Biodiversity c. Niche d. Ecosystem

ANS: A Ecologists study the relationships of organisms and the interactions in the community. There are relationships between producers and consumers, predators and prey, and many other relationships. Information can be found in the section Communities Consist of Interacting Producers, Consumers, and Decomposers

Where does the largest amount of upwelling occur? a. Equatorial upwelling b. Polar upwelling c. Coastal upwelling d. Mid-latitude upwelling

ANS: A Equatorial upwelling occurs worldwide in westward flowing equatorial surface currents. Upwelling is crucial to marine organisms because it brings nutrients from below the pycnocline to the surface. Information can be found in the section Wind Can Cause Vertical Movement of Ocean Water

The Ocean is becoming more acidic as it absorbs additional _________from the atmosphere. a. carbon dioxide b. ozone c. oxygen d. pollution

ANS: A Increasing carbon dioxide in the air forces more carbon dioxide into the surface waters of the ocean. Carbon dioxide reacts with water, releasing hydrogen ions, which acidify the water (powering the pH). Information can be found in the section The Ocean's Acid-Base Balance Varies with Dissolved Components and Depth

What season does phytoplankton peak in the northern temperate zone? a. Spring b. Summer c. Autumn d. Winter

ANS: A Larger plankton bloom in temperate zones peak in Spring due to increasing lamination. There is another smaller peak that occurs in Autumn to coincide with upwelling events. Information can be found in the section Phytoplankton Productivity varies with Local Conditions.

Which essential gas is often in an unusable form in the ocean and atmosphere? a. Nitrogen b. Oxygen c. Carbon dioxide d. Methane

ANS: A Nitrogen gas is saturates in the upper layers of the ocean. Although organisms need nitrogen to build proteins, most nitrogen cannot be used. The nitrogen needs to be bound or fixed in order to be used by organisms. Information can be found in the section Gases Dissolve in Seawater.

What planktonic group accounts for 80% of all photosynthesis in the tropics? a. Picoplankton b. Nanoplankton c. Microplankton d. Mesoplankton

ANS: A Picoplankton are successful in areas where surface nutrients are low. This is why they are abundant in tropical waters. Information can be found in the section Phytoplankton are Autotrophs.

What is the petroleum found in marine sediments likely to have been formed from? a. Bacteria b. Fossilized fish c. Whale falls d. Marine algae

ANS: A Planktonic organisms and bacteria are thought to be the candidates that collected to eventually form petroleum. These organisms accumulated in low oxygen areas that had very few scavengers. Information can be found in the section Physical Resources.

What is the second most valuable marine resource? a. Gravel b. Oil c. Gas d. Salt

ANS: A Sand and gravel are very important marine resources. They are the second highest in monetary value. More than 1 billion metric tons of sand and gravel was excavated in 1998. Information can be found in the section Physical Resources.

8. What is bycatch? a. Organisms unintentionally killed during the harvesting of a different, desirable species b. The number of organisms caught in a trawl c. The number of organisms that can be harvested without impairing future generations d. The targeted organisms for a harvest

ANS: A Sometimes bycatch can exceed the target catch. One of the worst fisheries in terms of producing bycatch is shrimp off the Gulf Coast. Information can be found in the section Biological Resources.

What is a characteristic of Antarctic Bottom Water? a. Extreme density b. The water moves south towards Antarctica along the seafloor c. Fast moving d. Most is produced near the Mediterranean and joins the deep bottom layer

ANS: A The Antarctic Bottom water moves very slowly. It may take a thousand years to reach the equator, but it does move relatively faster in the Atlantic. This current has extreme density and is produced near Antarctica. Information can be found in the section Thermohaline Circulation Affects All the Ocean's Water.

What direction would a gyre in the Southern Hemisphere flow towards? a. Left b. Right c. Towards the equator d. Poleward

ANS: A The Southern Hemisphere gyre deflects to the left. In the Northern Hemisphere, the gyre is deflected to the right. The currents are then blocked by continents which allow them to move in a circular flow. Information can be found in the section Surface Currents Are Driven by the Winds.

What is eutrophication? a. A set of physical, chemical, and biological changes in an environment when there is an excessive release of nutrients in the water b. A large plankton bloom dominated by one species c. The removal of oxygen from the water of an area d. The manmade changes to the environment

ANS: A The extra nutrients often come from sewage and fertilizers. Eutrophication occurs at the mouths of almost all the world's rivers. Information can be found in the section Marine Pollutants May Be Natural or Human Generated.

What causes a decrease in oxygen levels beyond the sunlit layer? a. The respiration from marine animals and bacteria b. The by-products of photosynthesis c. There are fewer animals present d. Decreased saturation because of cooler water

ANS: A The high level of oxygen at the surface is the by-products of photosynthesis. Beyond that layer, the oxygen decreases due to the respiration of marine animals. At deep depths, oxygen levels increase slightly because there are fewer animals at those depths. Information can be found in the section Gases Dissolve in Seawater.

What enhances the ocean's buffering capacity? a. The amount of dissolved inorganic carbon present b. The amount of acid already present in the ocean c. The amount of dissolved organic compounds d. The amount of calcium

ANS: A The ocean has a higher buffering capacity than rivers and lakes. This is due to the amount of dissolved inorganic carbon found in the ocean. This makes the ocean less prone to large pH swings when acids or bases are added whether it be from sewage outfalls or acid rain. Information can be found in the section The Ocean's Acid-Base Balance Varies with Dissolved Components and Depth.

What is included in a quantitative analysis of plankton? a. An estimation of plankton in a volume of water b. An estimation of salt concentration in the water c. The behavior of plankton d. The amount of sunlight used by plankton

ANS: A The quantitative analysis of plankton requires a count of the organisms to be made. Then, an estimation of plankton in the sample volume of water can be determined. Information can be found in the section Plankton Collection Methods Depend on the Organism's Size.

What do the simplest vertebrates lack? a. Jaws b. Notochord c. Central nervous system d. Teeth

ANS: A The simplest vertebrates lack jaws. They still have a partially enclosed central nervous system extending from the skull. Information can be found in the section Vertebrate Evolution Traces a Long and Diverse History.

Where does the largest addition of oil to the ocean come from? a. Runoff from land and city streets b. Spills from tankers c. Transportation d. Drilling platforms

ANS: A There has been over 900 million liters of used motor oil added to the ocean. This is 22 times the volume of the Exxon Valdez spill. This oil is much more toxic too. Information can be found in the section Marine Pollutants May Be Natural or Human Generated.

What do most deep water consumers depend on for survival? a. The productivity of the water column above b. Chemosynthetic productivity c. The deep scattering layer of nutrients d. Rift communities

ANS: A There is no photosynthesis occurring in the deep water because of the permanent darkness. For the most part, consumers rely on the biological activity above them for nutrients. There are some areas where chemosynthesis is also occurring. Information can be found in the section Examples of Marine Communities.

Which is not a reason why a refined oil spill is more harmful? a. The oil contains more energy potential due to additives during the refinement process. b. There are more biologically active components remaining in refined oil. c. The refining process removes heavier components. d. There are components that are added to oil which are deadly.

ANS: A This is a growing concern for many people. As the need for oil increases there will be more transport of refined oil. These spills are much more damaging than crude oil spills. Information can be found in the section Marine Pollutants May Be Natural or Human Generated.

What is a community? a. A group of organisms of the same species b. A group of interacting organisms of different species c. The number of different species in an area d. The largest marine ecosystem

ANS: B A community is an interacting group of producers and consumers sharing a common living space. Information can be found in the section Marine Organisms Live in Communities

What is the term for vertebrates who have a skeleton made of cartilage? a. Osteichthyes b. Chondrichthyes c. Reptilia d. Ophiuroids

ANS: B Chondrichthyes include sharks, rays, skates, and chimaeras. Cartilage is tough and elastic, but is not true bone. Information can be found in the section Fishes Are Earth's Most Abundant and Successful Vertebrates.

What is a gyre? a. A type of vertical circulation b. A circular flow of water around the periphery of an ocean basin c. A type of thermohaline current d. A type of current along the western margins of ocean basins

ANS: B Continents and basins topography makes the continuous flow of water impossible. These features deflect moving water in circular patterns. The flow around the edges of an ocean basin is a gyre. Information can be found in the section Surface Currents Are Driven by the Winds.

Why are some tropical waters unable to sustain life? a. There is an addition of pollutants in many of these areas. b. There is a low level of dissolved oxygen due to temperature. c. There is a greater amount of carbon dioxide. d. There are more conservative components in these waters.

ANS: B Gases dissolve readily in cold waters. Tropical waters have lower saturation capabilities. The oxygen concentrations in some tropical regions may not be able to sustain animals. This can be further affected by the addition of pollutants from sewage. Information can be found in the section Gases Dissolve in Seawater.

What is the Forchhammer's principle? a. The saturation level of seawater b. The constant proportion of solids in seawater c. The components of seawater from weathering surface rocks d. The measure of the total mass of halogen ions

ANS: B Georg Forchhammer realized that even though oceans may have varying salinity, dissolved solids are present in the ocean at constant proportions. He also observed that there was less silica and calcium in the ocean than in river water. These compounds are removed by marine organisms. Information can be found in the section Understanding the Ocean Began with Voyaging for Trade and Exploration

What happens when corals exceed their normal temperatures for too long of a period of time? a. Coral polyps overheat and die b. Corals eject their zooxanthellae c. Corals break down their shells d. Corals increase their zooxanthallae

ANS: B If water returns to normal temperatures within a reasonable amount of time, the algal populations will return. However, if the stress occurs for too long, the algae will be replaced by other species or decomposers. These species will then take over the coral. Information can be found in the section Organisms Cannot Prosper if Their Habitat Is Disturbed.

What is a solute? a. A substance, usually a liquid, which dissolves other substances b. A substance that dissolves into another substance c. A mixture of two or more substances d. A polar molecule

ANS: B In solutions, the solute is usually a dissolved solid or gas. Generally, the concentration of a solute in a solution is less abundant than the solvent. Information can be found in the section Water Is a Powerful Solvent.

What is the largest known reservoir of hydrocarbons on Earth? a. Oil b. Methane hydrate c. Coal d. Natural gas

ANS: B Methane hydrate is methane-laced crystals. This is common in the sediments of the continental slope at approximately 200 to 500 meters below the seafloor. They are stable and long-lived. Information can be found in the section Physical Resources.

How long does marine life usually tend to recover from a crude oil spill? a. 2 years b. 5 years c. 7 years d. 10 years

ANS: B Most organisms are able to recover after about a five year period from a crude oil spill. Refined oil spills tend to be much more disruptive to communities than the crude oil. Information can be found in the section Marine Pollutants May Be Natural or Human Generated.

When a resource is present in a fixed amount, it is said to be: a. a nonextractive resource. b. a nonrenewable resource. c. a physical resource. d. a renewable resource.

ANS: B Nonrenewable resources are unable to be replenished over short time spans. These resources include oil, gas, and solid mineral deposits. Information can be found in the section Marine Resources Are Subject to the Economic Laws of Supply and Demand.

Where is density stratification the least pronounced? a. Temperate latitudes b. Polar latitudes c. Tropical latitudes d. Areas where there is upwelling

ANS: B Polar areas have smaller differences in temperature between the surface and deep water. The minimal difference causes the density stratification to be less pronounced than tropical and temperate regions. Information can be found in the section Thermohaline Circulation Affects All the Ocean's Water

What new method is being used to calculate productivity by estimating the chlorophyll? a. Biomass b. Orbiting satellites c. Radioactive tagging d. Light-dark reactions

ANS: B Satellites have made sensing the chlorophyll content of the ocean possible. The amount of chlorophyll is directly related to photosynthesis. Information can be found in the section Measuring Primary Productivity.

What is a biodegradable pollutant? a. A pollutant that is organically based b. A pollutant that is able to be broken down into simpler compounds c. A pollutant that is natural d. A pollutant that does not alter the environment

ANS: B Some pollutants can be removed from an environment through various biological activities. Some marine organisms can metabolize these pollutants in to harmless ones. Information can be found in the section Marine Pollutants May Be Natural or Human Generated.

What is the Ekman spiral? a. The movement of water in the same direction as the wind above b. The decreasingly slower movement of water as it gets further away from the wind source c. The sum of all water directions in wind affected layers d. The friction created on the ocean's surface layer from wind

ANS: B The Ekman spiral has to do with layers of water responding to the initial wind friction at the ocean's surface. Each layer of water under the initial top layer moves slightly towards the right in the Northern Hemisphere. Each layer moves slower than the layer above it. Information can be found in the section Surface Currents Are Driven by the Winds

What is considered to be the largest western boundary current? a. Canary Current b. Gulf Stream c. Brazil Current d. East Australian Current

ANS: B The Gulf Stream is the largest western boundary current. It has a width of approximately 70 kilometers and moves at an average speed of 5 miles per hour. Information can be found in the section Surface Currents Are Driven by the Winds.

What water mass is the most saline? a. North Atlantic Water b. Mediterranean Deep Water c. Antarctic Bottom Water d. North Atlantic Intermediate Water

ANS: B The Mediterranean Deep Water is even more saline than the Antarctic Bottom Water at 38 , but it is not as dense. The lighter density is due to the water being warmer in the Mediterranean. The two water masses do not mix because of the differences in density. Information can be found in the section Thermohaline Circulation Affects All the Ocean's Water.

Who is responsible for the consumption of approximately a quarter of the global oil supply? a. China b. United States c. India d. United Kingdom

ANS: B The United States does not have an energy policy to supplement their use of oil. China and India's growing economies are increasing the demand of oil at a rapid rate as well. Information can be found in the section Physical Resources

What is hypoxia? a. The increase of carbon dioxide in an area b. The depletion of oxygen in an area c. The decrease in nutrients in an area d. The increase of nitrogen in an area

ANS: B The algal cells that occur during eutrophication deplete the oxygen content of the surface zone at night. Hypoxia can lead to massive fish deaths due to the lack of oxygen. Information can be found in the section Marine Pollutants May Be Natural or Human Generated.

What is the basis for life in the hydrothermal vent community? a. The heated waters surrounding the vents b. Chemosynthetic organisms c. Whale falls d. The biological productivity of the water above

ANS: B The bottom water in these communities is enriched with hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide, and oxygen. The specialized Archaea and bacteria are chemosynthesizers which provide the base of the hydrothermal vent food webs. Information can be found in the section Examples of Marine Communities.

What is environmental resistance? a. The decline in population growth b. The effect of limiting factors on the environment c. The maximum population growth in an environment d. The movement of one population against another

ANS: B The environmental conditions are not usually ideal. The limiting factors can quickly lower the rate of population growth. Information can be found in the section Communities Consist of Interacting Producers, Consumers, and Decomposers.

Where is phytoplankton the most productive? a. Tropical latitudes b. Temperate latitudes c. North polar latitudes d. Equator

ANS: B The most primary productivity occurs at the temperate and southern subpolar regions. This is due to plenty of dependable sunlight and moderate nutrient supply. Information can be found in the section Phytoplankton Productivity varies with Local Conditions

How much of the world's crude oil is found on the seafloor? a. 25% b. 35% c. 45% d. 55%

ANS: B The ocean makes a large contribution to the world's need for petroleum and natural gas. Approximately 35% of the world's crude oil came from the seafloor. Natural gas from the seabed contributes about 28% of the world's usage. Information can be found in the section Physical Resources.

What is water called when it is a mixture of both freshwater and seawater? a. Estuarine water b. Brackish water c. Productive water d. Semidiurnal water

ANS: B The salinity within the estuary fluctuates with the tides. Areas near the river may exhibit salinities approaching freshwater while areas near the ocean outlet display salinities closer to the salinity of water. Information can be found in the section Examples of Marine Communities.

What happens to the volatile components after any oil spill? a. They sink to the bottom sediments b. They evaporate into the air. c. They form balls of tar in the wave action. d. They assimilate by organisms.

ANS: B The tar remains behind when the volatile components evaporate. The wave action that is present then causes the tar to clump together into small balls. Some of this tar falls to the bottom while other tar gets taken up by organisms. Information can be found in the section Marine Pollutants May Be Natural or Human Generated.

What prevents North Atlantic Deep Water from moving on a large scale like the Antarctic Bottom Water? a. The density of the water b. The topography of the basin c. The composition of the sediments d. The salinity of the water

ANS: B The topography of the ocean basin hinders the North Atlantic Deep Water from moving much farther than the isolated area it resides in. There are some channels that the water uses to escape through. Information can be found in the section Thermohaline Circulation Affects All the Ocean's Water.

What thrusts water masses that are engaged in the thermohaline flow of the world's ocean? a. Density b. Gravity c. Trade winds d. Coriolis Effect

ANS: B The water masses are propelled by gravity. Water masses hit one another in convergence zones. The heavier water mass slides beneath the lighter water mass. Information can be found in the section Understanding the Ocean Began with Voyaging for Trade and Exploration.

Which distribution is the rarest found in communities? a. Random distribution b. Uniform distribution c. Clumped distribution d. Normal distribution

ANS: B Uniform distribution is when the organisms in a community are at equal distances from one another. This would indicate that the nutrients and environmental factors are evenly distributed as well. Most of the time there are patches of nutrients. The best example of this type of distribution is that of garden eels. Information can be found in the section Communities Consist of Interacting Producers, Consumers, and Decomposers.

Why is the extraction of wind so effective over or near the ocean? a. There are large gusts of wind. b. The wind tends to be steady in these areas. c. Windmills can be easily constructed on platforms. d. There is more stress on the gears to generate more energy

ANS: B Wind over the ocean is usually steadier than it is over land which lessens the stress put on the blades and gears. Also, average wind speeds tend to be higher over the ocean. Information can be found in the section Marine Energy.

What is a climax community? a. The first community after a large disruption b. A new, growing community c. A stable, long-established community d. The decline of a community after it peaks

ANS: C A climax community is a group of species that tend not to change, barring a disruption from severe external forces. These disruptions can range from violent storms and changes in the patterns of currents to epidemic diseases. Information can be found in the section Marine Communities Change as Time Passes.

What is a niche? a. An organism's physical location in a community b. The amount of different species in a community c. An organism's occupation in a community d. The number of populations in a community

ANS: C A niche includes the relationship to food and predators. It is what the organism is doing or its role in the community. Information can be found in the section Communities Consist of Interacting Producers, Consumers, and Decomposers.

When did the harvesting of commercial whale species cease? a. When the International Whaling Commission formed b. When there were substitutes for the products produced from whales c. When the hunting of whales became uneconomical d. CITES- Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species

ANS: C Although alternatives to whale products were available, whaling did not stop for most of the commercial species until it became uneconomical for whalers. Information can be found in the section Biological Resources.

What is the average pH of the ocean? a. 7.0 b. 7.5 c. 8.0 d. 8.5

ANS: C Although the pH can vary in particular regions and depths of the ocean, the average pH is 8.0. The amount of carbon dioxide can have large impacts on the pH levels. The range of pH found in the ocean is approximately 7.0 to 8.5. Information can be found in the section The Ocean's Acid-Base Balance Varies with Dissolved Components and Depth.

Why is the amount of carbon dioxide dissolved in seawater much less than the theoretical maximum saturation level? a. Carbon dioxide is very soluble in water. b. Carbon dioxide is able to form a weak acid when combined with seawater. c. Carbon dioxide is quickly used by photosynthetic organisms. d. Carbon dioxide moves quickly from the atmosphere to the ocean

ANS: C Carbon dioxide chemically combines with water quite quickly which creates carbonic acid, but the low level in comparison to the theoretical maximum saturation level is due to photosynthetic organisms using it quickly. Information can be found in the section Gases Dissolve in Seawater.

The level of ____ increases with depth which is a factor in the calcium carbonate compensation depth. a. Nitrogen b. Oxygen c. Carbon Dioxide d. Ammonia

ANS: C Carbon dioxide concentrations are higher at deeper depths. Contrastingly, oxygen levels decrease as the depth decreases. This is true until middle depths of the ocean; then, oxygen levels begin to increase again. Information can be found in the section Gases Dissolve in Seawater.

How is freshwater obtained as a marine resource? a. Potability b. Evaporation c. Desalination d. Reverse osmosis

ANS: C Desalination is the separation of pure water from seawater. This is becoming an increasingly important resource as the human population and the need for potable water grows. Information can be found in the section Physical Resources.

What can occur when organisms are exposed to air and sunlight? a. Wave shock b. Motility c. Desiccation d. Succession

ANS: C Desiccation is the drying out of an organism. Motile animals can move towards water, but sessile organisms must await the return of water. They trap water within their shells to keep their gills moist. Some have a protective mucous which prevents water loss. Information can be found in the section Examples of Marine Communities.

What is the most productive photosynthetic plankton apart from Cyanobacteria? a. Dinoflagellates b. Coccolithophores c. Diatoms d. Ciliates

ANS: C Diatoms are extremely abundant photosynthetic organisms. Their efficiency in photosynthesis has extensively increased the amount of carbon in the atmosphere. Information can be found in the section Phytoplankton are Autotrophs

What is an invertebrate chordate? a. A chordate that has lost its gill slits b. A chordate with an underdeveloped dorsal nerve system c. A chordate that has lost its notochord d. A chordate that evolved to become an invertebrate

ANS: C Invertebrate chordates lose their notochords at some point in their development. Only 5% of chordates are invertebrate. Information can be found in the section Construction of Complex Chordate Bodies Begins on a Stiffening Scaffold.

What can hinder photosynthetic productivity in the open ocean? a. Light b. Carbon dioxide c. Iron d. Conservative nutrients

ANS: C Iron becomes the limiting factor in many open water areas that have all the other necessities for photosynthesis. Photosynthetic autotrophs only require four main ingredients for success: sunlight, water, carbon dioxide, and inorganic nutrients. Information can be found in the section Lack of Nutrients and Light can limit Primary Productivity

Why does oil seep to the surface from its source rock? a. Capillary actions b. Convection c. Oil is less dense than surrounding sediments d. Porosity is higher at the surface

ANS: C Oil migrates to the surface through porous overlaying formations. It does this because it has a lower density than the sediments around it. Information can be found in the section Physical Resources.

What is plankton? a. Any photosynthetic organism b. An internal organism c. A drifting organism d. Microscopic organism

ANS: C Plankton are very weak swimmers. They are dependent on waves and currents for movement. There is a large diversity of plankton. Information can be found in the section Plankton Drift in the Ocean.

Who was responsible for the environmental movement? a. Charles Darwin b. Edward Ricketts c. Rachel Carson d. Jared Diamond

ANS: C Rachel Carson began to write Silent Spring in order to address the synthetic organic chemicals released into the ocean. There was a focus on the effects of DDT on marine birds, brown pelicans, and osprey in particular. Information can be found in the section Marine Pollutants May Be Natural or Human Generated.

What do researchers use to directly measure the rate of productivity? a. Carbon-12 b. Biomass c. Carbon-14 d. Chloroplasts

ANS: C Scientists "tag" carbon by radioactivity. The c-14 behaves the same way normal c-12 does, but it can easily be tracked through photosynthesis. Information can be found in the section Measuring Primary Productivity.

What is the fastest-growing mariculture production? a. Salmon b. Cod c. Shrimp d. Oyster

ANS: C Shrimp is the fastest growing mariculture operation. The annual global value of this shrimp was $20 billion in 2006. Information can be found in the section Biological Resources

Where is there no deep scattering layer present? a. Temperate oceans b. Tropical oceans c. Arctic oceans d. All oceans have a deep scattering layer

ANS: C The Arctic does not have a deep scattering layer. Perhaps this is due to the abundance of nutrients in the deep water and the waters above. Information can be found in the section Examples of Marine Communities.

How much of the fish stocks are considered to be overfished? a. 30% b. 50% c. 65% d. 80%

ANS: C The National Marine Fisheries Service estimate that so many fish have been taken that there may not be enough of a breeding stock left to replenish the populations of these overfished species. Information can be found in the section Biological Resources

How do salinometers measure salinity? a. It measures the number of salt molecules in a set mass of seawater. b. It calculates the salinity based on the density of the seawater. c. It measures the electrical conductivity of seawater samples. d. It calculates the salinity by measuring the chlorinity.

ANS: C The conductivity of seawater varies with salt concentrations and temperatures. Salinometers are able to adjust for the water temperature and be calibrated against samples of known conductivity and salinity. Information can be found in the section Seawater Consists of Water and Dissolved Solids.

What influences contour currents? a. Salinity b. Density c. Topography d. Trade winds

ANS: C The dense flow of water goes around seafloor formations. Contour currents can be relatively fast. Information can be found in the section Thermohaline Circulation Affects All the Ocean's Water.

What happens to pH levels in regions where there is more carbon dioxide present? a. Carbon dioxide does not heavily impact pH levels. b. The pH levels increase in these regions. c. The pH levels decrease in these regions. d. The seawater is able to buffer enough that there is no change.

ANS: C The pH level in the ocean can be altered in the ocean with changes in carbon dioxide. Higher levels of carbon dioxide which often occurs at middle depths in the ocean causes the water to be less alkaline. Information can be found in the section The Ocean's Acid-Base Balance Varies with Dissolved Components and Depth

What is responsible for the large-scale global ocean circulation? a. Surface currents b. ENSO events c. Thermohaline circulation d. Langmuir circulation

ANS: C Thermohaline circulation is the movement of water due to density differences. The whole ocean is involved in this slow circulation. Information can be found in the section Thermohaline Circulation Affects All the Ocean's Water

What is the name for slow, deep currents beneath the pycnocline? a. Surface currents b. Convection currents c. Thermohaline currents d. Polar currents

ANS: C Thermohaline currents are dependent on density differences which stem from temperature and salinity variations. These and surface currents have large impacts on Earth's temperature, climate and biological activity. Information can be found in the section Mass Flow of Ocean Water Is Driven by Wind and Gravity.

Although these are all common in our atmosphere, which one is not a greenhouse gas? a. Carbon dioxide b. Methane c. Nitrogen d. Water vapor

ANS: C These are common gases in our environment, but we are adding them into our atmosphere at an alarming rate. There are also CFCs in the category of greenhouse gases. They all act as a glass roof over Earth that traps heat inside the atmosphere. Information can be found in the section Human Activity is Causing Global Oceanic Change.

What is the name for the pelagic community that lives in the upper limits of the permanent darkness in the deep ocean? a. Climax community b. Rift community c. Deep scattering layer d. Benthic community

ANS: C This community is named the deep scattering layer due to its tendency to reflect sound pulses which make it appear like a false bottom to people above. The scattering layer itself is comprised of a dense population of fish, squid, and other vertical migrators. Information can be found in the section Examples of Marine Communities.

What is usually responsible for a harmful algal bloom? a. Diatoms b. Viruses c. Cyanobactiera d. Dinoflagellates

ANS: D A harmful algal bloom happens when high concentrations of phytoplankton begin to affect nearby organisms in a negative way. Dinoflagellates are usually the culprits. Some make toxins within their cells as a byproduct of metabolism. This affects marine life through the natural consumption in food webs. Information can be found in the section Most Phytoplankton are Photosynthetic Autotrophs.

What determines an organism's response to a particular pollutant? a. The quantity of the pollutant b. The toxicity of the pollutant c. The persistence of the pollutant d. All of these choices

ANS: D An organism's sensitivity is based in all three factors. The reaction to a pollutant can vary with every species. Information can be found in the section Marine Pollutants May Be Natural or Human Generated.

What does carbon dioxide break down into once it is in the ocean? a. Carbonic acid b. Bicarbonate c. Carbonate d. All of these choices

ANS: D Carbon dioxide is able to form different compositions when dissolved in water. First, it creates carbonic acid, a weak acid. The acid then disassociates into bicarbonate and carbonate. Information can be found in the section The Ocean's Acid-Base Balance Varies with Dissolved Components and Depth.

Which is not a characteristic of deep water animals? a. Deep water organisms tend to move slowly. b. Deep water organisms require little food to survive. c. Deep water organisms tend to have a long life span. d. Deep water organisms have a high metabolic rate.

ANS: D Deep water organisms have low metabolic rates because of the cold water. This allows the organisms to require relatively little food. Their slow movement is partly due to their low metabolism. Information can be found in the section Examples of Marine Communities.

What process re-establishes climax communities after a major disruption in the environment? a. Progression b. Carrying capacity c. Desiccation d. Succession

ANS: D Disruption can occur from any external forces including violent storms, changes in current patterns, or an influx of pollutants. This makes the environment hostile to original species in the community. Succession is the recolonization of a few highly tolerant species into the area. Information can be found in the section Marine Communities Change as Time Passes

What type of water mass dissolves the most amounts of gases? a. Tropical water masses b. Temperate water masses c. Equatorial water masses d. Polar water masses

ANS: D Gases dissolve the most in colder waters. The saturation level increases as temperatures decrease. This partly explains the high nutrient productivity in the polar regions. Information can be found in the section Gases Dissolve in Seawater

What percentage of all living and fossil animals are invertebrates? a. 10% b. 50% c. 70% d. 90%

ANS: D Invertebrates are animals that do not have an internal skeleton to attach muscles. They tend to be soft bodied, but some have developed hard, protective coverings. Information can be found in the section Invertebrates Are the Most Successful and Abundant Animals.

Why are phytoplankton critical for marine life? a. They are large contribution to marine food webs b. They generate massive amounts of atmospheric oxygen c. They are able to bind billions of tons of carbon into carbohydrates d. All of these choices

ANS: D Phytoplankton are important to all life on Earth, not just marine life. They are responsible for binding at least 35 billion metric tons of carbon into carbohydrates for use by animals. This is 45% of all photosynthetic food generated on our planet. Information can be found in the section Phytoplankton are Autotrophs.

What is the greatest source of oxygen in deep water? a. The respiration from bacteria b. The lack of large quantities of organisms c. Chemosynthesis d. Polar waters that have sunk from the surface

ANS: D Polar waters are very rich in nutrients, including oxygen. This water sinks from the surface in these regions and then circulated through deep water. Information can be found in the section Gases Dissolve in Seawater.

What is the most visible manifestation of eutrophication? a. Hypoxia b. Decomposition c. Nitrogen fixation d. Plankton bloom

ANS: D Red tides, yellow foams, and green slimes are often found in areas of eutrophication. These blooms are usually dominated by a single species. Information can be found in the section Marine Pollutants May Be Natural or Human Generated.

What is not a factor on the salinity of a particular region of ocean? a. Evaporation b. Precipitation c. Freshwater run-off from the continents d. Saturation levels

ANS: D Salinity is the concentration of dissolved inorganic solids in water. Despite an average of 35 salinity in the ocean, there are regions of variation. Salinity levels can be heavily impacted by evaporation, precipitation, and run-off activities. Information can be found in the section Seawater Consists of Water and Dissolved Solids.

How do some predatory sharks find their prey? a. They are attracted to vibrations in the water. b. They use their keen sense of smell. c. They use sensitive organs underneath their skin. d. All of these choices

ANS: D Sharks have sensitive organs arrayed in lines under the surface of their skin that detect vibrations in the water. This and their sense of smell are important in the hunting of prey. Prey is mostly comprised of fish and marine mammals. Information can be found in the section Fishes Are Earth's Most Abundant and Successful Vertebrates

Which water mass is not produced by caballing? a. North Atlantic Intermediate Water b. Antarctic Intermediate Water c. Antarctic Bottom Water d. Mediterranean Deep Water

ANS: D The Mediterranean Deep water is not produced by caballing. Some Antarctic Bottom Water is produced by caballing or the mixing and sinking of water masses. Information can be found in the section Thermohaline Circulation Affects All the Ocean's Water

Why was the feeding strategy of Riftia worms such a mystery to scientists when they were first discovered? a. These worms have no mouth. b. These worms have no digestive tract. c. These worms have no anus. d. All of these choices

ANS: D The Riftia worms contain large feeding bodies with tightly packed bacteria. The worms absorb hydrogen sulfide and transport it to the bacteria. Information can be found in the section Examples of Marine Communities.

Why is the West Wind Drift not considered a gyre? a. It is too large to be a gyre. b. It is a closed circuit current. c. It is driven by westerly winds. d. It does not flow around the margins of an ocean basin

ANS: D The West Wind Drift, also called the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, is the largest current. It is not deflected by any continents. Information can be found in the section Surface Currents Are Driven by the Winds.

What is true of compensation depth? a. It is the depth at which carbohydrate and oxygen production equals the amount of consumption b. It marks the bottom of the euphotic zone c. It receives only 1% of surface light penetration d. All of these choices

ANS: D The compensation depth is when the photosynthetic production is equivalent to the consumption during respiration. There is a net productivity of zero. Information can be found in the section Production Equals Consumption at the Compensation Depth

. How do the insoluble components of oil affect the ocean? a. Prevent free diffusion of gas b. Clog feeding structures c. Decrease the amount of light penetrating the surface d. All of these choices

ANS: D The insoluble components are also responsible for killing many larva populations because they cannot withstand the oil pollutants. Information can be found in the section Marine Pollutants May Be Natural or Human Generated.

Why is methane hydrate not harvested for energy use? a. It is costly to mine and liquefy the sediments. b. It is dangerous to mine due to methane's combustibility. c. The methane disappears as it is brought to the surface. d. All of these choices.

ANS: D There are many factors working against the mining of methane hydrate. Although it is the biggest source of hydrocarbons on the planet, it is uneconomical at this point. Methane hydrate is thought to be responsible for some of the ancient climate change events. Information can be found in the section Stars and Seas.

What could happen if global warming were to continue? a. Changes in global winds and rainfall b. Rise in ocean temperatures c. Decrease in dissolved gases d. All of these choices

ANS: D There are many things that will start to occur as global climate change progresses. The three factors are only a few of those listed. There will be less biological productivity, a disruption of ecosystems, and melting of ice caps. Information can be found in the section Human Activity is Causing Global Oceanic Change.

What determines the number and composition of the populations in a community? a. Food b. Light c. Space d. All of these choices

ANS: D There is competition for food, light, and space in a community. The competition can be between individuals in the same population or between different populations. Information can be found in the section Communities Consist of Interacting Producers, Consumers, and Decomposers.

What is not a characteristic of western boundary currents? a. They move warm water poleward. b. They are fast moving currents. c. They are deep currents. d. They are broad currents.

ANS: D Western boundary currents are narrow, deep, and fast moving currents. They have clearly defined boundaries. There are five large western boundary currents. Information can be found in the section Surface Currents Are Driven by the Winds

What does not affect surface currents? a. Gravity b. Coriolis Effect c. Wind d. Density

ANS: D Wind allows water flow to start in surface currents. The water "piles up" in the direction the wind blows. Gravity pulls the water down the slope the water creates when piled up. The Coriolis Effect deflects the moving mass of water to the left or right depending on the hemisphere. Information can be found in the section Surface Currents Are Driven by the Winds

What is the fastest-growing energy alternative to oil? a. Wave power b. Current power c. Tide power d. Wind power

ANS: D Wind power production is on the rise. There are many "wind farms" because the wind cannot be used up as oil and gas can. Information can be found in the section Marine Energy.

Aquaculture produces very little of the amount, perhaps ten percent, of fish consumed by humans.

ANS: F Aquaculture is responsible for about half of the fish consumed by humans. It is defined as the growing and farming of animals and plants in any controlled water environment. Information can be found in the section Biological Resources.

Biodiversity is the role of species in a given area.

ANS: F Biodiversity is the variety of species in a community. Biodiversity can vary with communities. For example, coral reefs are highly diverse. Information can be found in the section Communities Consist of Interacting Producers, Consumers, and Decomposers.

The carrying capacity of Earth has not quite been reached yet which is why our population is able to grow.

ANS: F Earth's carrying capacity was exceeded years ago. The population has tripled in the twentieth century. The population growth is exponential so it will continue to grow larger until the Earth cannot take it any longer. Information can be found in the section What Can Be Done?

A higher level of pH is associated with more hydrogen ions.

ANS: F High levels of pH have less hydrogen ions. More acidic pH levels have more hydrogen ions. Information can be found in the section The Ocean's Acid-Base Balance Varies with Dissolved Components and Depth

Carbon dioxide is abundant near the surface due to the photosynthesis activities of plants

ANS: F Oxygen is abundant near the surface due to marine photosynthesis. The levels of oxygen decrease further down in the water column because of respiration of marine animals and bacteria. Information can be found in the section Gases Dissolve in Seawater.

Rapid amounts of photosynthesis can create variations in the alkalinity of seawater.

ANS: F Oxygen is abundant near the surface due to marine photosynthesis. The levels of oxygen decrease further down in the water column because of respiration of marine animals and bacteria. Information can be found in the section Gases Dissolve in Seawater.

Spills of refined oil are generally larger than those of crude oil.

ANS: F The crude oil spills are larger because their components do not dissolve easily in water. Information can be found in the section Marine Pollutants May Be Natural or Human Generated

Small turbines have been placed in the Gulf Stream to harness this major ocean current

ANS: F There have been proposals to put large turbines in the path of the Gulf Stream, but it has not been done. The size and complexity of the turbine needed makes this idea very expensive. Information can be found in the section Marine Energy

Bottom trawling is devastating because there is habitat destruction in addition to any bycatch.

ANS: T Any slow-growing organisms and complex ecosystems can be disrupted in their environment when trawling occurs. Information can be found in the section Biological Resources.

Approximately 70% of discarded plastic sinks to the bottom of the ocean.

ANS: T It was estimated by Dutch researchers that there are approximately 110 pieces of litter per square kilometer of the seabed in the North Sea. Information can be found in the section Marine Pollutants May Be Natural or Human Generated.

Most of the marine oil deposits are tapped from offshore platforms

ANS: T Most of these platforms are sitting in water that is less than 100 meters deep. As the demand for oil increases, deeper deposits will be excavated. Information can be found in the section Physical Resources.

Sharks and rays tend to be larger than bony fish.

ANS: T Sharks are, in general, the largest living vertebrates. Whales are the exception to this tendency. Information can be found in the section Fishes Are Earth's Most Abundant and Successful Vertebrates.

In some cases, areas where oil spills were cleaned had communities in worse shape than in areas where an oil spill was left alone.

ANS: T The base of the food chain was killed when extremely heated water was used to blast the oil particles off the rocks. Also, these streams of water are coming from high pressure jets. Information can be found in the section Marine Pollutants May Be Natural or Human Generated.

Deep scattering layers are best developed in regions with high surface activity.

ANS: T The deep scattering layer is pronounced during daylight hours because the community gathers at the lowest level of light penetration. Information can be found in the section Examples of Marine Communities

The global conveyer belt transports juvenile organisms, mixes nutrients, and distributes gases and solids.

ANS: T The global conveyer belt is a slow, deep circulation of the world ocean. It is also responsible for transporting heat from the tropics to polar waters. Information can be found in the section Thermohaline Circulation Affects All the Ocean's Water.

The carrying capacity is the number of individuals an environment can support.

ANS: T The number of organisms cycles around the carrying capacity of the environment. The carrying capacity changes with fluctuations in environmental conditions. Information can be found in the section Communities Consist of Interacting Producers, Consumers, and Decomposers.

The horizontal movement of water by wind can lead to vertical movement in surface water

ANS: T This is called wind-induced vertical movement. When the vertical movement brings cold, deep water towards the surface, it is called upwelling. This vertical movement brings nutrients up to the surface. There the downward movement of water, downwelling, can also occur. Information can be found in the section Wind Can Cause Vertical Movement of Ocean Water.

Researchers believe the catalyst for the 1982-83 El Niño event was actually the volcanic eruption of El Chichón.

ANS: T This volcanic eruption released huge quantities of gas and dust into the atmosphere. This obscured the amount of sun radiation reaching the surface of Earth. Information can be found in the section El Niño and La Niña Are Exceptions to Normal Wind and Current Flow

The depletion of the ozone layer near the poles had a major impact on the productivity of plankton.

ANS: T When there was a large hole in the ozone at the poles, the productivity of plankton decreased by 6% to 12% in the 1990s. This was because the plankton was receiving too much ultraviolet light. The ozone normal acts as a shield to the atmosphere. Information can be found in the section Human Activity is Causing Global Oceanic Change

Once living organisms reach a balance with their environment, they do not undergo any more natural selection.

Answer: False

A storm results when water vapor condenses back into liquid water, releasing the sun's energy it received earlier.

Answer: TRUE

Like Bacteria, Archaea are single-celled, yet they are more closely related to humans than to Bacteria.

Answer: True

The lower atmosphere is a homogeneous mixture of gasses with nitrogen and oxygen being the most abundant.

Answer: True Feedback: For the most part, the lower atmosphere is homogeneous. There are additional elements and compounds present in the atmosphere, but they only comprise 1% of the composition. Information can be found in the section The Atmosphere Is Composed Mainly of Nitrogen, Oxygen, and Water Vapor (p. 202)

Higher than normal sea-surface temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico in 2005 led NOAA meteorologists to forecast high storm activity in the Atlantic.

Answer: True Feedback: The sea-surface temperature was high in 2005. The Gulf Stream's position and the Gulf eddy brought additional warmth to locations on the trajectory of tropical cyclones. Information can be found in the section The Atlantic Hurricane Season of 2005 Was the Most Destructive Ever Recorded (p. 225)

How many atmospheric cells are present in each hemisphere? a. 3 b. 4 c. 6 d. 8

Answer: a Feedback: There is a Ferrel cell, a Hadley cell, and a polar cell in each hemisphere. The circulation of these cells are driven by the uneven solar heating and influenced by the Coriolis Effect. Information can be found in the section The Atmosphere Moves in Response to Uneven Solar Heating and Earth's Rotation (p. 210).

What is the term for a pattern of wind circulation that changes with season? a. Land breeze b. Monsoon c. Doldrums d. Atmospheric cell

Answer: b Feedback: Areas that have monsoons tend to have wet summers and dry winters. They are connected to differences in the specific heat of land and water in addition to the seasonal movement of the intertropical convergence zone. Information can be found in the section Atmospheric Circulation Generates Large-Scale Surface Wind Patterns (p. 213).

Why are there multiple atmospheric cells as air moves from the equator to the poles instead of one single cell? a. There are variations in the solar radiation. b. There are intermediate precipitation events which break up the air into circulation cells. c. There are variations in the speed of wind. d. The Coriolis effect breaks the air mass into atmospheric cells

Answer: b Feedback: As air rises from the equator, it loses moisture. The drier air then becomes more dense in the upper atmosphere and falls on its way towards the poles. The air then warms again, continuing the cycle. Information can be found in the section The Atmosphere Moves in Response to Uneven Solar Heating and Earth's Rotation (p. 209).

Why are east-west variation patterns more pronounced in the middle latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere? a. There is a wide range of temperatures that occur in the Northern Hemisphere. b. There is an almost equal ration of land and water in the Northern Hemisphere. c. There is a high pressure system that always forms over land in the Northern Hemisphere. d. The Coriolis Effect influences the wind pattern more in these regions

Answer: b Feedback: Low pressure forms over heated landmasses during the summer which means high pressure systems in the ocean. The opposite is true in the winter. The equal proportions of ocean and land males these systems more noticeable. Information can be found in the section Atmospheric Circulation Generates Large-Scale Surface Wind Patterns (p. 212).

Which is not an example of a tropical cyclone? a. Hurricane b. Nor'easter c. Willi-willi d. Typhoon

Answer: b Feedback: There are different names for great storms depending on region and relative strength. In the tropics, they are called tropical cyclones. In the North Atlantic and Eastern Pacific area (as well as other mid-latitude areas) they are called extratropical cyclones or hurricanes, in the western Pacific they are called typhoons, and in Australia they are called willi-willis. Information can be found in the section Storms Are Variations in Large-Scale Atmospheric Circulation (p. 215-216)

What is the tendency of pausing air masses over land? a. They become low pressure systems when they pause. b. They become high pressure systems when they pause. c. They take on the characteristics of the land below them. d. They finally become uniform in temperature, humidity, and density.

Answer: c Feedback: Air masses are already characterized as large bodies of air with uniform temperature, humidity, and density. When air masses pause over land they acquire the characteristics of land. For example, cold, dry land eventually makes the air mass above it cool and dry. Information can be found in the section Storms Are Variations in Large-Scale Atmospheric Circulation (p. 215).

What is true of the intertropical convergence zone? a. It coincides with the geographical equator. b. It is the result of the convergence of a Hadley cell and Ferrel cell. c. It is subject to seasonal variations. d. It coincides with areas of strong winds

Answer: c Feedback: The intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) changes with season. It tends to be slightly farther north in the northern summer and more towards the equator during the northern winter. Information can be found in the section Atmospheric Circulation Generates Large-Scale Surface Wind Patterns (p. 211).

What is a storm surge? a. Severe flooding due to rapid rainfall b. Higher than normal tides c. Movement of water due to the low atmospheric pressure creates a dome of water d. Movement of water due to the high atmospheric pressure creates a dome of water

Answer: c Feedback: The most danger during a tropical cyclone event is the storm surge. The mass of water driven by the storm surge can cause large flooding. Information can be found in the section Storms Are Variations in Large-Scale Atmospheric Circulation (p. 221)

What is not a factor in the amount of light penetrating the ocean? a. The angle at which the light approaches the Earth b. The surface turbulence of the ocean c. The amount of light absorbed by clouds d. The presence of ice or foam on the surface

Answer: c Feedback: There is 51% of incoming sunlight absorbed by land and water on Earth. The amount of light penetration in the ocean is dependent on the angle radiation is coming in, the amount of turbulence on the ocean surface, and the presence of ice and foam. Information can be found in the section The Atmosphere Moves in Response to Uneven Solar Heating and Earth's Rotation (p. 203).

Where do tropical cyclones come from? a. High pressure systems b. Between air masses c. Within a single warm and humid air mass d. Within a single cool and dry air mass

Answer: c Feedback: Vilhelm Bjerknes realized tropical cyclones form due to disturbances within a single warm and humid air mass. He also concluded extratropical air masses form between two air masses. Information can be found in the section Storms Are Variations in Large-Scale Atmospheric Circulation (p. 215).

What is the residence time of water vapor in the lower atmosphere? a. 2 days b. 5 days c. 10 days d. 20 days

Answer: c Feedback: Water vapor can make up as much as 4% of air's volume. Water is able to leave the atmosphere when it condenses into precipitation. Information can be found in the section The Atmosphere Is Composed Mainly of Nitrogen, Oxygen, and Water Vapor (p. 202)

What causes most of the differences in winds in comparison to normal surface wind directions? a. Geographical distribution of landmasses b. The different responses of land and ocean to solar heating c. Chaotic flow d. All of the above

Answer: d Feedback: Although the average flows of surface winds follow a predicted six-cell model, there are east-west variations that can occur. Information can be found in the section Understanding the Ocean Began with Voyaging for Trade and Exploration (p. 212).

If a ship is trying to sail from the eastern United States to Europe, what route would be the most efficient to take? a. A southern route to take advantage of the easterlies b. A southern route to take advantage of the westerlies c. A northern route to take advantage of the easterlies d. A northern route to take advantage of the westerlies

Answer: d Feedback: The most efficient route to sail from the United States to Europe is a northern route. This allows the ship to use the prevailing westerlies. In the reverse journey, a southern route would ensure the use of the more dependable Easterly trade winds. Information can be found in the section Voyaging Combined with Science to Advance Ocean Studies (p. 211)

Why is air never completely dry? a. Water vapor makes up as much as 4% of the atmosphere b. Clouds and fog are actually liquid droplets of water c. Water's very presence in the atmosphere accounts for dew, rain, and snow d. All of the above

Answer: d Feedback: The relative abundance of water vapor ensures air never is completely dry. The water vapor in the atmosphere can condense into clouds, fog, or even rain and snow. The water vapor originates from the ground, plants, and the sea surface. Information can be found in the section The Atmosphere Is Composed Mainly of Nitrogen, Oxygen, and Water Vapor (p. 202).

What occurs at the boundaries of circulation cells? a. Winds move eastward due to the Coriolis Effect b. Winds moves towards the poles c. Winds move horizontally and at high speeds d. Winds move vertically where the boundaries meet

Answer: d Feedback: Winds move vertically at the boundaries of circulation cells. The surface winds become weak and erratic. Information can be found in the section Atmospheric Circulation Generates Large-Scale Surface Wind Patterns (p. 211)

Satellites that use infrared imaging are useful in understanding global processes on Earth because ______. a. The human eye can't see infrared radiation. b. Anything that emits heat gives off infrared radiation c. By looking at the infrared, the satellite is able to measure the amount of water vapor evaporating from the surface of the ocean. d. Aqua shows that this area is producing millions of tons of water vapor every hour. e. All of the above

Answer: e

All of the following about marine microbes are true EXCEPT: a. Most are freely suspended b.Can survive by oxidizing DOM or inorganic compounds using O2 as an electron acceptor c. Archaea dominate the shallowest 1000 m of the ocean d. Most are very small cells, typical of organisms living in nutrient-poor environments.

C.

On average there are __ times more viruses as prokaryotic cells in the biosphere. a. 2 b. 4 c.10 d. 20

C. 10

Ocean phytoplankton accounts for roughly what percent of global carbon fixation? a.10% b.30% c. 50% d. 90%

C. 50%

Which of the following is not considered a microscopic organism because of its size? a.Bacteria b.Archaea c. Protists d. Viruses and phages

C. Protist

Why does the heat budget vary with latitude? a. The angle of the sun at varying latitudes b. The proximity to magnetic poles c. Atmospheric circulation currents disperse solar radiation d. The axis of the Earth

Feedback: There is a difference in the amount of heat budget at different latitudes. This is from the angle the sun's radiation is hitting Earth's surface. Polar latitudes have the sun approaching from low angles so the radiation spreads over a greater area. Tropical latitudes have radiation coming from a nearly vertical angle which lowers the distribution area. Information can be found in the section The Atmosphere Moves in Response to Uneven Solar Heating and Earth's Rotation (p. 205).

Of the 100 trillion cells in your body, 9 out of 10 of those are actually microbial cells.

True

In the ocean, viral abundance __________ further offshore and __________ steadily below the thermocline. a.Decreases; decreases b. Decreases: increases c. Increases; decreases d. Increases; increases

a.Decreases; decreases

This cyanobacteria lives in tropical and subtropical waters and is often responsible for algal blooms that can be seen from space. a.Trichodesmium b.Synechococcus c.Prochlorococcus d.SAR11 group

a.Trichodesmium

The two main types of cyanobacteria are ____________ and ____________. a.Methanogens and sulfate reducers b. Synechococcus and Prochlorococcus c.SAR11 group and Oceanospirillales d.Vibrionales and other Proteobacteria

b. Synechococcus and Prochlorococcus

Viruses are considered to be a.Non-living b. Very small bacteria c. A link between life and non-life d. Primitive organisms

b. Very small bacteria

The hypothesis that more abundant bacteria are more likely to become infected by viruses is referred it as: a.Red Queen hypothesis b.Kill the Winner hypothesis c.King of the Mountain hypothesis d.Old friends hypothesis

b.Kill the Winner hypothesis

Why is methane is a concern for climate scientists? a.A molecule of CH4 is 25 times more potent than CO2 b.As sea-ice cover decreases, surface water of the Arctic Ocean could represent an important source of methane to the atmosphere c.Methane cycling in the open ocean can have a direct impact on climate change at a regional and global level d. All of the above

d. All of the above

Which of the following statements is(are) true about the cyanobacteria? a.Cyanobacteria appeared about 3 billion years ago. b.Cyanobacteria produce methane. c.The presence of cyanobacteria increased the concentration of free oxygen. d.Both a and c are correct.

d.Both a and c are correct.