End Of Coastal 8th Grade Quiz

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End Of Coastal 8th Grade Quiz - Quiz

Are you ready for this "End of coastal 8th grade quiz?" A coastal area is a part where the land meets the ocean. The quiz here deals with the end of the coastal area, and the questions here are about coastal areas and beaches. We will be testing how well you understand this part and whether you can answer these questions or not. So, do you think you are up to this challenge? If yes, then try your best and score the best.


Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    Substrate is:

    • A.

      Bottom material ocean organisms live in or on.

    • B.

      Bottom material found in the ocean.

    • C.

      Bottom material organisms live in or on.

    • D.

      Subtidal nutrients

    Correct Answer
    C. Bottom material organisms live in or on.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "Bottom material organisms live in or on." This answer accurately describes the term "substrate" as the material that serves as a habitat for ocean organisms, either by providing a surface for attachment or by being inhabited by the organisms. It implies that the substrate is not just a physical material but also a living environment for these organisms.

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  • 2. 

    Match the location where the intertidal zone is found.

    • A.

      Between the high and low tide lines

    • B.

      Above the high tide line

    • C.

      Below the high tide line

    • D.

      Between the sand bar and the berm

    • E.

      Between the swash zone (shoreface where waves break) and the dune

    Correct Answer
    A. Between the high and low tide lines
    Explanation
    The intertidal zone is the area between the high and low tide lines. This is the region of the shoreline that is covered and uncovered by the ocean's tides. It is characterized by the constant fluctuation of water levels and exposure to both air and water. Organisms in this zone have adapted to survive in both wet and dry conditions and are able to withstand the changing environment.

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  • 3. 

    Match the location where the subtidal zone is found.

    • A.

      Between the high and low tide lines

    • B.

      Above the high tide line

    • C.

      Below the water line

    • D.

      Between the sand bar and the berm

    • E.

      Between the swash zone (shoreface where waves break) and the dune

    Correct Answer
    C. Below the water line
    Explanation
    The subtidal zone is the area below the water line. It is the region of the ocean or other body of water that is always submerged, even during low tide. This zone is characterized by its depth and lack of exposure to air. It is home to a wide variety of marine organisms that are adapted to living in a submerged environment.

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  • 4. 

    The kind of sediment deposited in shoreline habitats depends on:

    • A.

      Estuary deposits

    • B.

      Tidal amplitude

    • C.

      Water turbulence

    • D.

      Coastal plain migration

    Correct Answer
    C. Water turbulence
    Explanation
    Water turbulence affects the type of sediment that is deposited in shoreline habitats. Turbulence refers to the movement and mixing of water, which can vary in intensity depending on factors such as wave action and currents. When water turbulence is high, it can transport and deposit larger and coarser sediments such as sand and gravel. On the other hand, when water turbulence is low, finer sediments like silt and clay are more likely to settle and accumulate. Therefore, the level of water turbulence plays a crucial role in determining the nature of sediment deposition in shoreline habitats.

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  • 5. 

    What is a berm and where is it found?

    • A.

      The back dune end of the supratidal zone

    • B.

      The movement of sand offshore during a storm

    • C.

      The supratidal ledge of sand at the high tide line

    • D.

      The edge of the swash (shoreface where waves break) zone

    Correct Answer
    C. The supratidal ledge of sand at the high tide line
    Explanation
    A berm is a supratidal ledge of sand that is found at the high tide line. It is a raised area of sand that is formed by the deposition of sediment by waves and tides. The berm acts as a natural barrier, helping to protect the land behind it from erosion and flooding. It is typically found along coastlines and beaches, where it serves as a buffer between the ocean and the land.

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  • 6. 

    What is the average salinity of the ocean?

    • A.

      35 ppt

    • B.

      55 ppt

    • C.

      15 ppt

    • D.

      25 ppt

    Correct Answer
    A. 35 ppt
    Explanation
    The average salinity of the ocean is 35 ppt. Salinity refers to the concentration of dissolved salts in water. It is measured in parts per thousand (ppt). The average salinity of the ocean is determined by factors such as evaporation, precipitation, and the input of freshwater from rivers. A salinity of 35 ppt means that for every 1000 grams of seawater, 35 grams are dissolved salts.

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  • 7. 

    What kind of sediment settle in the sound?

    • A.

      Fine silt

    • B.

      Loam

    • C.

      Coarse sand

    • D.

      Clay

    Correct Answer
    A. Fine silt
    Explanation
    Fine silt is the type of sediment that settles in the sound. Silt is a granular material that is finer than sand but coarser than clay. It is often found in riverbeds and estuaries, where it is carried by water and eventually settles due to its smaller particle size. In the sound, the water movement is likely to be slower compared to a river or the ocean, allowing the fine silt particles to settle and accumulate over time.

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  • 8. 

    What kind of sediments settle on the ocean beach?

    • A.

      Silt

    • B.

      Gravel

    • C.

      Coarse sand

    • D.

      Clay

    Correct Answer
    C. Coarse sand
    Explanation
    Coarse sand is the correct answer because it is a type of sediment that commonly settles on ocean beaches. Coarse sand particles are larger than silt and clay particles, but smaller than gravel. They are often found on beaches due to their ability to be transported by waves and currents. Coarse sand provides a suitable substrate for beach organisms and contributes to the formation of beach dunes.

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  • 9. 

    Trees and shrubs on the back rows of dunes moderate the effects of:

    • A.

      Wind and sun

    • B.

      Ocean forces

    • C.

      Salt spray

    • D.

      Wind and water

    Correct Answer
    A. Wind and sun
    Explanation
    Trees and shrubs on the back rows of dunes moderate the effects of wind and sun. The presence of these plants helps to block and redirect the wind, reducing its force and preventing erosion of the dunes. Additionally, the foliage of the trees and shrubs provides shade, which helps to moderate the temperature and reduce the intensity of the sun's rays. This can prevent excessive drying of the sand and vegetation, and create a more favorable environment for other plants and animals to thrive.

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  • 10. 

    Identify adaptations dune plants have to protect them from the intense heat and light of the sun.

    • A.

      Dune plants: some have thick, waxy leaves, some that close curl inward and turn in a vertical position to reduce sun expose.

    • B.

      Dune plants: can tolerate changes in salinity and can withstand different levels of salinity.

    • C.

      Dune plants: are made up of brown and red marine leaft grasses that tolerate water, wind, and salt.

    • D.

      Dune plants: are evergreen plants with thin, needle like leaves that can tolerate wind, water and salt.

    Correct Answer
    A. Dune plants: some have thick, waxy leaves, some that close curl inward and turn in a vertical position to reduce sun expose.
    Explanation
    Dune plants have adaptations such as thick, waxy leaves and the ability to curl inward and turn in a vertical position to reduce sun exposure. These adaptations help to protect the plants from the intense heat and light of the sun. The thick, waxy leaves act as a barrier, reducing water loss through evaporation and protecting the plant from dehydration. The ability to curl inward and turn in a vertical position helps to minimize the surface area exposed to the sun, reducing the amount of heat absorbed by the plant. These adaptations allow dune plants to survive and thrive in the harsh conditions of sandy dunes.

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  • 11. 

    Nitrogen is scarce on the dunes because:

    • A.

      There is little or no decaying plant and animal material to enrich the dunes.

    • B.

      There is too much Oxygen.

    • C.

      There is too much Hydrogen and Oxygen.

    • D.

      The organisms in a dune habitat consume more Nitrogen then they produce.

    Correct Answer
    A. There is little or no decaying plant and animal material to enrich the dunes.
    Explanation
    The reason why nitrogen is scarce on the dunes is because there is little or no decaying plant and animal material to enrich the dunes. Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth, and it is usually obtained from the decomposition of organic matter. However, in the dune habitat, there is a lack of decaying material, resulting in a limited supply of nitrogen. As a result, plants in the dunes may struggle to obtain enough nitrogen for their growth and development.

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  • 12. 

    What provides the main source of nutrients on frontal dunes?

    • A.

      Salt spray

    • B.

      Oxygen

    • C.

      Plant nitrogen

    • D.

      Water (Hydrogen + Oxygen)

    Correct Answer
    A. Salt spray
    Explanation
    Salt spray provides the main source of nutrients on frontal dunes. The salt spray contains small particles of salt that are carried by the wind and deposited on the dunes. These particles contain essential minerals and nutrients that can be absorbed by the plants growing on the dunes. The salt spray also helps to retain moisture in the sand, providing a suitable environment for the plants to grow. Therefore, salt spray plays a crucial role in nourishing the vegetation on frontal dunes.

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  • 13. 

    Why are dunes made of finer sand than the beaches?

    • A.

      Waves deposit the fine sand on to the dune.

    • B.

      Saltation carries only the finest of beach sand.

    • C.

      Saltation mixes salt with sand making it more fine.

    • D.

      Fine sand is more porous

    Correct Answer
    B. Saltation carries only the finest of beach sand.
    Explanation
    Saltation is a process where sand particles are lifted and transported by the wind in a bouncing motion. During saltation, only the finest particles of beach sand are carried, while the larger and heavier particles are not lifted as easily. This selective transportation leads to the accumulation of finer sand particles in dunes compared to the beaches where coarser particles are left behind. Therefore, the statement "Saltation carries only the finest of beach sand" explains why dunes are made of finer sand than the beaches.

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  • 14. 

    Why do marshes have that characteristically rotten egg odor?

    • A.

      Decomposition uses much oxygen while releasing hydrogen sulfide. The reduced oxygen level combined with the release of hydrogen sulfide gives the marsh a rotten egg odor.

    • B.

      Decomposition uses much carbon dioxide while releasing hydrogen sulfide. The reduced carbon dioxide level combined with the release of hydrogen sulfide gives the marsh a rotten egg odor.

    • C.

      Decomposition uses much hydrogen while releasing carbon dioxide. The reduced hydrogen level combined with the release of carbon dioxide gives the marsh a rotten egg odor.

    • D.

      Decomposition uses much hydrogen while releasing sulfur. The reduced hydrogen level combined with the release of sulfur gives the marsh a rotten egg odor.

    Correct Answer
    A. Decomposition uses much oxygen while releasing hydrogen sulfide. The reduced oxygen level combined with the release of hydrogen sulfide gives the marsh a rotten egg odor.
    Explanation
    The marshes have a characteristically rotten egg odor because decomposition in the marshes uses up a lot of oxygen and releases hydrogen sulfide. This combination of reduced oxygen levels and the release of hydrogen sulfide creates the foul smell.

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  • 15. 

    Which statement describes what this diagram shows is happening with barrier island migration from images A-1 through A-3 ?

    • A.

      The diagram shows how sea level rise causes barrier islands to migration upslope toward the mainland on the continental shelf.

    • B.

      The diagram shows the formation of a barrier island on the continental slope.

    • C.

      The diagram rising sea level erosion of a barrier islands on the continental slope.

    • D.

      The diagram shows the migration of a barrier island.

    Correct Answer
    A. The diagram shows how sea level rise causes barrier islands to migration upslope toward the mainland on the continental shelf.
    Explanation
    The diagram illustrates the process of barrier island migration caused by rising sea levels. It shows the barrier islands moving upslope towards the mainland on the continental shelf.

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  • 16. 

    Identify the event shown in the image.

    • A.

      Birth of an inlet

    • B.

      Nor'easter wind tide

    • C.

      Formation of a tidal delta

    • D.

      Spring tide

    Correct Answer
    A. Birth of an inlet
    Explanation
    The event shown in the image is the "Birth of an inlet." This can be inferred from the visual cues in the image, such as the formation of a narrow waterway or channel, which indicates the creation of an inlet. The surrounding land appears to be eroded or changed, further supporting the idea of a new inlet being formed.

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  • 17. 

    How deep/thick are Barrier Islands?

    • A.

      30 - 60 feet

    • B.

      10 - 20 feet

    • C.

      20 - 40 feet

    • D.

      40 - 70 feet

    Correct Answer
    A. 30 - 60 feet
    Explanation
    Barrier Islands are typically formed by the accumulation of sand and sediment along the coast. They are relatively narrow and elongated landforms that run parallel to the mainland. The depth or thickness of Barrier Islands can vary, but on average, they are around 30 - 60 feet deep or thick. This depth allows them to provide a protective barrier against coastal erosion and storm surges while also providing habitat for various plant and animal species.

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  • 18. 

    What does this arrow identify?

    • A.

      Longshore current.

    • B.

      Tidal current.

    • C.

      Ebb tidal delta.

    • D.

      Flood tidal delta.

    • E.

      Littoral current.

    Correct Answer
    A. Longshore current.
    Explanation
    The arrow in the question identifies a longshore current. A longshore current is a current that flows parallel to the shoreline, caused by the oblique approach of waves to the beach. It moves sediment along the coast and can cause erosion or deposition of sand and other materials. The other options, such as tidal current, ebb tidal delta, flood tidal delta, and littoral current, are not specifically related to the flow of water along the shoreline.

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  • 19. 

    Choose the complete answer to this statement.  Geologists like Dr. Pilkey define a beach as:

    • A.

      A beach is an area of shoreline affected by winds or water.

    • B.

      A beach is an area of shoreline affected by ordinary waves that include the nearshore sand bar and berm.

    • C.

      A beach is an area of the shoreline that includes the berm and is affected by ordinary waves.

    • D.

      A beach is only the large area near the berm of the shoreline affected by ordinary waves.

    Correct Answer
    B. A beach is an area of shoreline affected by ordinary waves that include the nearshore sand bar and berm.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "A beach is an area of shoreline affected by ordinary waves that include the nearshore sand bar and berm." This answer provides the most comprehensive definition of a beach, including the specific features of ordinary waves, nearshore sand bar, and berm. It acknowledges that a beach is not just any area of shoreline affected by winds or water, but rather a specific area influenced by these particular elements.

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  • 20. 

    IDENTIFY: The two major currents that affect North Carolina's climate.

    • A.

      Laborador/Virginia and the Gulf Stream currents

    • B.

      Gulf of Mexico and Laborador/Virginia currents

    • C.

      Canadian and Gulf of Mexico currents

    • D.

      Coast of Greenland and Gulf Stream currents

    • E.

      Between the swash zone (shoreface where waves break) and the dune

    Correct Answer
    A. Laborador/Virginia and the Gulf Stream currents
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Laborador/Virginia and the Gulf Stream currents. These two major currents have a significant influence on North Carolina's climate. The Laborador/Virginia current, also known as the Labrador Current, is a cold ocean current that flows southward along the eastern coast of Canada and brings colder water to the region. The Gulf Stream, on the other hand, is a warm ocean current that originates in the Gulf of Mexico and flows along the eastern coast of the United States. The warm waters of the Gulf Stream contribute to the mild climate of North Carolina.

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  • 21. 

    What causes shoreline habitats to have extremes in water temperature?

    • A.

      Waves and wind

    • B.

      Currents and tides

    • C.

      Distance from shore and waves

    • D.

      Currents and gravitational pull of the moon

    Correct Answer
    B. Currents and tides
    Explanation
    Shoreline habitats experience extremes in water temperature due to the influence of currents and tides. Currents can bring in colder or warmer water from different areas, causing temperature variations. Tides, which are caused by the gravitational pull of the moon, can also affect water temperature by bringing in colder or warmer water during high or low tide. These factors contribute to the fluctuation in water temperature observed in shoreline habitats.

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  • 22. 

    Choose the best definition of a barrier island.

    • A.

      A Barrier Island is a long, narrow body of sand separated from the mainland by a sound and from other islands by inlets at both ends.

    • B.

      A Barrier Island is a short, wide body of sand separated from the mainland by a sound and from other islands by inlets at both ends.

    • C.

      A Barrier Island is a long, narrow body of sand separated from other islands by a sound.

    • D.

      A Barrier Island is a body of sand separated from the mainland by an inlet.

    Correct Answer
    A. A Barrier Island is a long, narrow body of sand separated from the mainland by a sound and from other islands by inlets at both ends.
    Explanation
    A barrier island is described as a long, narrow body of sand that is separated from the mainland by a sound, which is a body of water, and from other islands by inlets at both ends. This definition emphasizes the specific characteristics of a barrier island, including its shape, composition (sand), and its isolation from the mainland and other islands.

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  • 23. 

    Why are estuaries considered brackish?

    • A.

      Estuary waters are a mixture of tidewater and longshore current.

    • B.

      Estuary waters are a mixture of groundwater and ocean water.

    • C.

      Estuary waters are a mixture of groundwater and littoral drift.

    • D.

      Estuary waters are a mixture of fresh and salt water.

    Correct Answer
    D. Estuary waters are a mixture of fresh and salt water.
    Explanation
    Estuaries are considered brackish because they are a mixture of fresh and salt water. This occurs because rivers and streams flow into estuaries, bringing with them freshwater, while at the same time, the tides from the ocean bring in salt water. The combination of these two sources of water creates a brackish environment, with a varying salinity level that is lower than that of the open ocean. This unique mixture of fresh and salt water creates a diverse and productive ecosystem in estuaries, supporting a wide range of plant and animal species.

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  • 24. 

    Coastal Habitats: What are the three basic components of a food web?

    • A.

      Three basic components of a food web are producers, consumers and decomposers.

    • B.

      Three basic components of a food web are producers, consumers, scavengers and decomposers.

    • C.

      Three basic components of a food web are producers, bacteria and fungi.

    • D.

      Three basic components of a food web are autotrophs, heterotrophs and heliotrophs.

    Correct Answer
    A. Three basic components of a food web are producers, consumers and decomposers.
  • 25. 

    Coastal Habitats: What is the difference between scavengers and decomposers?

    • A.

      When an organism dies, scavengers consume much of the organic debris, particularly animal debris. Decomposers are bacteria and fungi that complete the final step in the food web.

    • B.

      When an organism dies, decomposers scavenge the remains, there is no difference between decomposers and scavengers.

    • C.

      When an organism dies scavengers consisting of bacteria and fungi complete the process in the food web.

    • D.

      Both are detrital. When an organism dies uneaten debris is broken down by wave action, wind, heat, forming detritus

    Correct Answer
    A. When an organism dies, scavengers consume much of the organic debris, particularly animal debris. Decomposers are bacteria and fungi that complete the final step in the food web.
    Explanation
    Scavengers and decomposers have different roles in the ecosystem. Scavengers consume organic debris, especially animal remains, when an organism dies. They help to break down the dead material and recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem. On the other hand, decomposers, which are bacteria and fungi, play a crucial role in the final step of the food web. They break down the remaining organic matter that scavengers have not consumed, further decomposing it into simpler substances. This decomposition process helps to release nutrients and minerals back into the soil, making them available for other organisms to use.

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  • 26. 

    Coastal Habitats: What is the original source of energy for the entire seashore community?

    • A.

      The original source of energy is the sun.

    • B.

      The original source of energy is the ocean.

    • C.

      The original source of energy are the producers.

    • D.

      The original source of energy is the moon and tides.

    Correct Answer
    A. The original source of energy is the sun.
    Explanation
    The sun is the original source of energy for the entire seashore community. Through the process of photosynthesis, producers such as plants and algae convert sunlight into chemical energy, which is then passed on to other organisms in the food chain. This energy is essential for the survival and functioning of the entire coastal ecosystem. The ocean, moon, and tides may have indirect effects on the seashore community, but they do not serve as the primary source of energy.

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  • 27. 

    Coastal Habitats: What is a unit of life?

    • A.

      A unit of life is an ecological community with plant and animal components acting together as an interdependent group.

    • B.

      A unit of life is an ecological community that looks at nature as complete.

    • C.

      A unit of life is an ecological community is 15-25 ppt. in an estuary, 35 ppt. in the ocean.

    Correct Answer
    A. A unit of life is an ecological community with plant and animal components acting together as an interdependent group.
  • 28. 

    Coastal Habitats: How is energy passed through the community?

    • A.

      Energy is passed through the community through feeding relationships.

    • B.

      Energy is passed through the community as organisms move about their habitat.

    • C.

      Energy is passed through the community through organism decomposition.

    • D.

      Energy is passed through the community as organisms breed and grow.

    Correct Answer
    A. Energy is passed through the community through feeding relationships.
    Explanation
    Energy is passed through the community through feeding relationships. This means that energy flows from one organism to another as they consume and are consumed by other organisms. The energy originally comes from producers, such as plants, which are then eaten by primary consumers, which are then eaten by secondary consumers, and so on. This transfer of energy through feeding relationships is how energy moves through the community and sustains the organisms within it.

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  • 29. 

    Oxygen is plentiful in the ocean beach habitat because of which three factors:

    • A.

      Wind coming off the ocean, the presence of water coming in with the tides and in the space between the sand sediment.

    • B.

      The presence of water coming in with the tides, salt spray and plants.

    • C.

      The wind coming off the ocean, salt spray and plants.

    • D.

      The wind coming off the ocean, the presence of water coming in with the tides and plants.

    Correct Answer
    A. Wind coming off the ocean, the presence of water coming in with the tides and in the space between the sand sediment.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is wind coming off the ocean, the presence of water coming in with the tides and in the space between the sand sediment. Oxygen is plentiful in the ocean beach habitat because the wind coming off the ocean brings in fresh air, which contains oxygen. Additionally, the presence of water coming in with the tides helps to oxygenate the water. The space between the sand sediment also allows for oxygen to dissolve into the water, further increasing the oxygen levels in the habitat.

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  • 30. 

    Debris and detritus are deposited ___________________

    • A.

      At the high tide line.

    • B.

      At the shoreline.

    • C.

      Along the shoreface.

    • D.

      In the intertidal zone.

    Correct Answer
    A. At the high tide line.
    Explanation
    Debris and detritus are deposited at the high tide line because as the tide rises, it brings with it various materials such as seaweed, shells, and other organic matter. These materials get carried by the waves and currents and are eventually left behind when the tide recedes. The high tide line is the point where the highest level of the tide reaches, making it the area where the debris and detritus are most likely to accumulate.

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  • 31. 

    Phytoplankton are_______________________

    • A.

      Free floating microscopic plants that are the basis of the marine food chain.

    • B.

      Free floating microscopic animals that are the basis of the marine food chain.

    • C.

      Free floating microscopic scavengers that support the marine food chain.

    • D.

      Diatoms that cause red tide and are toxic to the marine food chain.

    Correct Answer
    A. Free floating microscopic plants that are the basis of the marine food chain.
    Explanation
    Phytoplankton are free floating microscopic plants that are the basis of the marine food chain. They are responsible for producing a large portion of the Earth's oxygen and are a primary food source for many marine organisms. These plants undergo photosynthesis, converting sunlight and nutrients into energy. They play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems and supporting the entire food web.

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  • 32. 

    Most supratidal animals are ____________ that feed on debris and detritus along the strand line.

    • A.

      Scavengers

    • B.

      Decomposers

    • C.

      Producers

    • D.

      Herbivores

    Correct Answer
    A. Scavengers
    Explanation
    Supratidal animals are typically found in the area above the high tide mark, where they feed on debris and detritus that washes up along the strand line. Scavengers are organisms that obtain their food by feeding on dead or decaying organic matter, making them the most suitable choice for animals that feed on debris and detritus in this habitat. Decomposers break down organic matter, producers create their own food through photosynthesis, and herbivores primarily consume plants, none of which accurately describe the feeding habits of supratidal animals.

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  • 33. 

    What is a gastropod?

    • A.

      A gastropod is a mollusk that has one shell. It is a marine snail.

    • B.

      A gastropod is a mollusk that has two shells it is a bivalve or pelecypod with a strong muscular foot.

    • C.

      A gastropod is a mollusk that attaches itself to hard substrate to survive.

    • D.

      A gastropod is a mollusk that has an internal shell like a squid.

    Correct Answer
    A. A gastropod is a mollusk that has one shell. It is a marine snail.
    Explanation
    A gastropod is a type of mollusk that has one shell. Specifically, it is a marine snail.

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  • 34. 

    Coarse sand settles in the intertidal zone because:

    • A.

      Turbulent ocean waves can carry coarse sediment and deposit it on the shoreline.

    • B.

      Turbulent ocean tides can carry coarse sediment and deposit it on the shoreline.

    • C.

      Gentle sound waves deposit coarse sediment in the ebb tidal deltas.

    • D.

      The longshore current carries coarse sediment to the shore.

    Correct Answer
    A. Turbulent ocean waves can carry coarse sediment and deposit it on the shoreline.
    Explanation
    Turbulent ocean waves can carry coarse sediment and deposit it on the shoreline. This is because the energy and force of the waves can pick up larger particles of sand and transport them towards the shore. As the waves reach the shoreline, they lose their energy and the sediment settles, resulting in the accumulation of coarse sand in the intertidal zone.

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  • 35. 

    Which organism causes "red tide" scientific name: pfiesteria piscicida?

    • A.

      Dinoflagellates

    • B.

      Diatoms

    • C.

      Gastropods

    • D.

      Pelecypods

    Correct Answer
    A. Dinoflagellates
    Explanation
    Dinoflagellates are the organisms that cause "red tide" and the scientific name for the specific organism mentioned in the question is pfiesteria piscicida. Red tide is a phenomenon where there is a rapid growth of these dinoflagellates, leading to the discoloration of water and the release of toxins that can be harmful to marine life and humans. Diatoms, gastropods, and pelecypods are not responsible for causing red tide.

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  • 36. 

    Most supratidal animals are______________ that feed____________________

    • A.

      Most supratidal animals are__scavengers_________ that feed__on debris along the____ strand line____

    • B.

      Most supratidal animals are__herbivores_________ that feed__on debris along the____high tide line____

    • C.

      Most supratidal animals are__carnivores_________ that feed__on debris along the____ low tide line____

    • D.

      Most supratidal animals are__omnivores_________ that feed__on debris along the____ surf zone____

    Correct Answer
    A. Most supratidal animals are__scavengers_________ that feed__on debris along the____ strand line____
    Explanation
    Most supratidal animals are scavengers that feed on debris along the strand line. This means that these animals scavenge for food by consuming debris that washes up on the shore. The term "strand line" refers to the area where debris is deposited by the waves and tides. Supratidal animals have adapted to this environment and rely on the availability of debris for their food source.

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  • 37. 

    What is a mollusk?

    • A.

      An organism with a hard shell that encases a soft muscle body

    • B.

      An organism with a soft shell and a hard interior skeleton

    • C.

      A bottom dwelling organism that breathes water and uses siphons to feed

    • D.

      A bottom dwelling organism that uses a muscular foot to dig and capture its prey

    Correct Answer
    A. An organism with a hard shell that encases a soft muscle body
    Explanation
    A mollusk is an organism with a hard shell that encases a soft muscle body. This definition accurately describes mollusks, as they typically have a protective outer shell made of calcium carbonate or chitin. Inside the shell, they have a soft, muscular body that performs various functions such as movement, feeding, and reproduction. The shell provides protection and support for the soft body, helping the mollusk survive in its environment. Mollusks include various species such as snails, clams, squids, and octopuses.

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  • 38. 

    What is a pelecypod?

    • A.

      A bivalve, two-shelled mollusk

    • B.

      A univalve, one shelled mollusk

    • C.

      A phytoplankton producer

    • D.

      A zooplankton producer

    Correct Answer
    A. A bivalve, two-shelled mollusk
    Explanation
    A pelecypod is a type of mollusk that has two shells, also known as a bivalve. Bivalves are characterized by their hinged shells, which they use to protect their soft bodies. They include familiar animals such as clams, oysters, and mussels. This answer correctly identifies a pelecypod as a bivalve mollusk with two shells.

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  • 39. 

    What serves as the primary plant material for the ocean beach intertidal zone?

    • A.

      Phytoplankton

    • B.

      Phytoplankton and zooplankton

    • C.

      Detritus and debris

    • D.

      Detritus

    Correct Answer
    A. pHytoplankton
    Explanation
    Phytoplankton serves as the primary plant material for the ocean beach intertidal zone. Phytoplankton are microscopic algae that float near the water's surface and are capable of photosynthesis. They are the main producers in the marine ecosystem, converting sunlight and nutrients into organic matter. In the intertidal zone, where the ocean meets the land, phytoplankton provide a crucial food source for many organisms, including zooplankton, which in turn are consumed by higher trophic levels. Detritus and debris may also be present in the intertidal zone, but they do not serve as the primary plant material.

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  • 40. 

    What is the effect of salt spray on back dune trees and shrubs?

    • A.

      Salt spray from wind kills back the tips of the tree and shrub branches causing them to look sheard and grow stunted and twisted.

    • B.

      Salt spray from wind nourishes the trees and shrubs causing their leaves to grow long and wide.

    • C.

      Salt spray from wind prevents trees and shrubs from growing on the back dune.

    • D.

      Dune plants: are evergreen plants with thin, needle like leaves. Salt spray from wind protects the trees and shrubs with a layer of salt covering it that can tolerate wind, water and salt.

    Correct Answer
    A. Salt spray from wind kills back the tips of the tree and shrub branches causing them to look sheard and grow stunted and twisted.
    Explanation
    Salt spray from wind kills back the tips of the tree and shrub branches causing them to look sheared and grow stunted and twisted. This is because the salt in the spray can dehydrate the plants, leading to damage and hindered growth. The salt can also interfere with the plants' ability to absorb water and nutrients, further impacting their health. The physical force of the wind carrying the salt spray can also cause physical damage to the branches, resulting in the sheared appearance.

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  • 41. 

    Oxygen is plentiful in the dune habitat largely due to:

    • A.

      Ocean breezes provide steady in flow of wind.

    • B.

      Dune plants provide oxygen to the dune.

    • C.

      Ocean salt spray provides oxygen in the water that mists the dunes.

    • D.

      All of these.

    Correct Answer
    A. Ocean breezes provide steady in flow of wind.
    Explanation
    Ocean breezes provide a steady inflow of wind, which helps to circulate the air in the dune habitat. This circulation brings in fresh oxygen from the ocean and helps to maintain a plentiful supply of oxygen in the dunes. The other options mentioned, such as dune plants providing oxygen and ocean salt spray providing oxygen in the mist, may contribute to the oxygen levels in the dune habitat to some extent, but the main reason for the plentiful oxygen is the steady inflow of wind from the ocean.

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  • 42. 

    What is the relationship between the height of a sand dune and the type of vegetation behind the frontal dune?

    • A.

      The higher the dune the larger the vegetation behind it.

    • B.

      The higher the dune the smaller the vegetation behind it.

    • C.

      The dune height does not affect the vegetation behind it.

    • D.

      The lower the dune the larger the vegetation behind it.

    Correct Answer
    A. The higher the dune the larger the vegetation behind it.
    Explanation
    The correct answer suggests that there is a positive correlation between the height of a sand dune and the size of the vegetation behind it. This means that as the dune gets higher, the vegetation behind it also tends to be larger. This relationship could be due to factors such as increased protection from wind and sand erosion, better soil conditions, or increased availability of water and nutrients as the dune height increases.

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  • 43. 

    What is saltation and under what condition does it occur? 

    • A.

      How much salt is in the water

    • B.

      The movement of sand along the shoreline

    • C.

      The affect of salt spray on barrier island plants

    • D.

      Saltation is the movement of sand by 10 mph or greater winds that creates dune.

    Correct Answer
    D. Saltation is the movement of sand by 10 mpH or greater winds that creates dune.
    Explanation
    Saltation is the correct answer because it accurately defines the term and provides the condition under which it occurs. Saltation refers to the movement of sand, specifically, along the shoreline. It occurs when there are winds of 10 mph or greater, which create dunes.

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  • 44. 

    What are the three basic requirements for dune formation to occur?

    • A.

      For dune formation to occur the following is required: a large supply of sand, wind speeds capable of moving sand, and an ideal location for sand to accumulate.

    • B.

      For dune formation to occur the following is required: a large supply of sand, wind speeds capable of moving sand, and a shore face that extends from the near shoe sandbar to the berm.

    • C.

      For dune formation to occur the following is required: a large supply of sand, wind speeds greater than 20 mph, and a shore face that extends from the near shoe sandbar to the berm.

    • D.

      For dune formation to occur the following is required: a large supply of sand, wind speeds less than 10 mph, and a shore face that extends from the near shoe sandbar to the berm.

    Correct Answer
    A. For dune formation to occur the following is required: a large supply of sand, wind speeds capable of moving sand, and an ideal location for sand to accumulate.
    Explanation
    The correct answer explains that three basic requirements for dune formation are a large supply of sand, wind speeds capable of moving sand, and an ideal location for sand to accumulate. These three factors work together to create dunes. Without a large supply of sand, there would be nothing for the dunes to form from. Wind speeds are necessary to move the sand and shape it into dunes. Finally, an ideal location for sand to accumulate is needed for the sand to gather and form dunes.

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  • 45. 

    What is surface creep?

    • A.

      Surface creep occurs when saltating grains of sand strike heavier grains larger than one millimeter in diameter causing the heavier grains a slight forward movement along the surface.

    • B.

      Surface creep occurs when saltating grains of sand strike finer grains smaller than one millimeter in diameter causing the finer grains a slight forward movement along the surface.

    • C.

      Surface creep occurs when saltating grains of sand strike heavier grains larger than one millimeter in diameter causing the finer grains a slight forward movement along the surface.

    • D.

      Surface creep occurs when saltating grains of sand strike heavier grains larger than one millimeter in diameter causing the heavier grains to suspend in the air from their movement along the surface.

    Correct Answer
    A. Surface creep occurs when saltating grains of sand strike heavier grains larger than one millimeter in diameter causing the heavier grains a slight forward movement along the surface.
  • 46. 

    What is the "fluid threshold" of saltation?

    • A.

      Fluid threshold is the wind speed necessary for sand to start saltating under the direct pressure of the wind.

    • B.

      Fluid threshold is the wind speed necessary to maintain saltation once it has begun

    • C.

      Fluid threshold is how all the surfaces respond to each other as they move.

    • D.

      Fluid threshold is wind speeds above 20 mph that occur above the windy side of a dune.

    Correct Answer
    A. Fluid threshold is the wind speed necessary for sand to start saltating under the direct pressure of the wind.
    Explanation
    The fluid threshold of saltation refers to the wind speed required for sand particles to start saltating (bouncing and hopping) due to the direct force of the wind. This means that once the wind speed reaches the fluid threshold, the sand particles will start moving and bouncing along the surface. The other options provided in the question do not accurately describe the concept of fluid threshold in relation to saltation.

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  • 47. 

    What makes sand accumulate into piles rather than spread out evenly over an area?

    • A.

      Sand tends to accumulate any place where there is a sufficient reduction of wind energy in the direction that sand drifts in and any obstacle, such as a rock outcrop or a stand of vegetation, forces sand accumulation by lowering the wind speed.

    • B.

      Sand tends to accumulate any place where there is a abundant wind velocity in the direction that sand drifts in and any obstacle, such as a rock outcrop or a stand of vegetation, forces sand accumulation by lowering the wind speed.

    • C.

      Sand tends to accumulate any place where there is a sufficient reduction of sand in the sand drifts in and any obstacle, such as a rock outcrop or a stand of vegetation, forces sand accumulation by sustaining the wind speed.

    • D.

      Sand tends to accumulate any place where there is a sufficient reduction of sand in the sand drifts in and any obstacle, such as a rock outcrop or a stand of vegetation, forces sand accumulation by lowering the wind speed.

    Correct Answer
    A. Sand tends to accumulate any place where there is a sufficient reduction of wind energy in the direction that sand drifts in and any obstacle, such as a rock outcrop or a stand of vegetation, forces sand accumulation by lowering the wind speed.
    Explanation
    Sand accumulates into piles rather than spreading out evenly over an area because there is a sufficient reduction of wind energy in the direction that sand drifts in. Additionally, any obstacle, such as a rock outcrop or a stand of vegetation, forces sand accumulation by lowering the wind speed.

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  • 48. 

    Identify the sand movement in the diagram in the order of these numbers: #1 _______________, #2 ______________, #3 ______________

    • A.

      #1 suspension, #2 saltation, #3 creep

    • B.

      #1 saltation, #2 suspension, #3 creep

    • C.

      #1 suspension, #2 saltation, #3 impact threshold

    • D.

      #1 fluid threshold, #2 saltation, #3 impact threshold

    Correct Answer
    A. #1 suspension, #2 saltation, #3 creep
    Explanation
    The correct answer is #1 suspension, #2 saltation, #3 creep. In the diagram, the sand particles are first lifted and carried by the wind in a suspended state, which is known as suspension. Then, the sand particles are dropped back to the ground due to gravity, but they are lifted again by the wind in a hopping or bouncing motion, which is called saltation. Finally, the sand particles move along the ground surface by rolling or sliding, which is known as creep.

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  • 49. 

    What is a  "sand shadow", slip face and how is it formed? 

    • A.

      A sand shadow, slip face is formed on the leeward side (away from the wind) of the dune, that side is starved of sand and its steep shear cliff that creates a shadow.

    • B.

      A sand shadow, slip face is formed on the windward (side wind is blowing from) side of the dune as that side is starved of sand and its steep shear cliff that creates a shadow.

    • C.

      A sand shadow, slip face is formed on the leeward side (away from the wind) of the dune as that side has a mounded dune that creates a shadow.

    • D.

      A sand shadow, slip face is formed on the ocean side of the dune during saltation when the scarp creates a shadow.

    Correct Answer
    A. A sand shadow, slip face is formed on the leeward side (away from the wind) of the dune, that side is starved of sand and its steep shear cliff that creates a shadow.
    Explanation
    A sand shadow, slip face is formed on the leeward side (away from the wind) of the dune because that side is starved of sand. As the wind blows sand particles up the windward side of the dune, they accumulate and create a steep shear cliff. This cliff creates a shadow on the leeward side, where sand particles are less likely to reach due to the wind direction. This phenomenon is known as a sand shadow or slip face.

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  • 50. 

    Spartina alterniflora (marsh cordgrass) is the most abundant and ecologically most important large plant of the marsh. What makes it so important?

    • A.

      Salt tolerant

    • B.

      Grows quickly

    • C.

      Predator tolerant

    • D.

      Wind and wave tolerant

    Correct Answer
    A. Salt tolerant
    Explanation
    Spartina alterniflora, also known as marsh cordgrass, is considered the most abundant and ecologically important large plant of the marsh because of its salt tolerance. This means that it can thrive in environments with high levels of salt, such as coastal marshes, where other plants may struggle to survive. Its ability to tolerate salt allows it to colonize and stabilize marsh areas, preventing erosion and providing habitat for various species. Additionally, its salt tolerance enables it to filter and remove excess salt from the surrounding soil, contributing to the overall health and balance of the marsh ecosystem.

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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Aug 21, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • May 27, 2018
    Quiz Created by
    Rhaveno
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