Barrier Islands #2 Ocean Beach And Organisms

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  • 1/21 Questions

    Identify a key adaptation of the mole crab and coquina clam for living in the in the ocean beach intertidal zone:

    • Both organisms burrow rapidly into the sand. The coquina clam burrows as a wave recedes. The mole card burrows backward each time a wave advances.
    • Both organisms ride the surf to avoid the receding or advancing waves.
    • Both organisms hibernate to avoid the receding or advancing waves.
    • Though born on the ocean side of the barrier island, both organisms move to the sound to avoid the receding or advancing waves.
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About This Quiz

Explore the unique ecosystem of barrier islands with this engaging quiz. Dive into topics like berm locations, ocean salinity, beach zones, and the role of oxygen in ocean habitats. Understand the importance of phytoplankton in marine food chains, enhancing your knowledge of coastal environments.

Barrier Islands #2 Ocean Beach And Organisms - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    Which organism causes "red tide" ?

    • Dinoflagellates

    • Diatoms

    • Gastropods

    • Pelecypods

    Correct Answer
    A. Dinoflagellates
    Explanation
    Dinoflagellates are the organisms that cause "red tide." Red tide is a phenomenon where there is a rapid growth or bloom of these single-celled organisms in the water, leading to the water appearing red or brownish in color. These dinoflagellates produce toxins that can be harmful to marine life and can cause respiratory issues in humans if they are exposed to the toxins through the air or by consuming contaminated seafood.

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  • 3. 

    What is a pelecypod?

    • A bivalve, two-shelled mollusk

    • A univalve, one shelled mollusk

    • A phytoplankton producer

    • A zooplankton producer

    Correct Answer
    A. A bivalve, two-shelled mollusk
    Explanation
    A pelecypod is a bivalve, which means it is a two-shelled mollusk. Bivalves are characterized by their hinged shells that are held together by a strong muscle. Examples of pelecypods include clams, oysters, and mussels. They are filter feeders that live in aquatic environments and play important roles in the ecosystem by filtering water and providing habitat for other organisms.

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  • 4. 

    What is a gastropod?

    • A univalve, one-shelled marine snail mollusk

    • A bivalve, two-shelled marine mollusk

    • A phytoplankton producer

    • A zooplankton consumer

    Correct Answer
    A. A univalve, one-shelled marine snail mollusk
    Explanation
    A gastropod is a type of mollusk that has a single shell, making it a univalve. It is specifically a marine snail, as it lives in the ocean. This distinguishes it from bivalves, which have two shells, and phytoplankton and zooplankton, which are types of microscopic organisms that live in water.

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  • 5. 

    Ocean beach habitats have three distinct zones:

    • The subtidal zone of crashing breakers with swirling sand and shallow water; the intertidal zone, alternately covered and exposed by tidal waters; and the dry, sandy supratidal zone extending to the base of the sand dunes.

    • The ocean zone of crashing breakers with swirling sand and shallow water; the salt marsh zone, alternately covered and exposed by tidal waters; and the dry, sandy sand dune zone extending to the base of the sand dunes.

    • The shoreface zone of crashing breakers with swirling sand and shallow water; the intertidal zone, alternately covered and exposed by tidal waters; and the dry, sandy subtidal zone extending to the base of the sand dunes.

    • The supratidal zone of crashing breakers with swirling sand and shallow water; the intertidal zone, alternately covered and exposed by tidal waters; and the dry, sandy subtidal zone extending to the base of the sand dunes.

    Correct Answer
    A. The subtidal zone of crashing breakers with swirling sand and shallow water; the intertidal zone, alternately covered and exposed by tidal waters; and the dry, sandy supratidal zone extending to the base of the sand dunes.
    Explanation
    The correct answer describes the three distinct zones found in ocean beach habitats. These zones include the subtidal zone, which is characterized by crashing breakers, swirling sand, and shallow water. The intertidal zone is alternately covered and exposed by tidal waters. Finally, the dry, sandy supratidal zone extends to the base of the sand dunes. This answer accurately identifies the correct zones and their characteristics.

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  • 6. 

    What is the average salinity of the ocean?

    • 35 ppt

    • 55 ppt

    • 15 ppt

    • 25 ppt

    Correct Answer
    A. 35 ppt
    Explanation
    The average salinity of the ocean is 35 ppt. This means that for every 1000 grams of seawater, there are 35 grams of dissolved salts. Salinity is measured in parts per thousand (ppt) and is influenced by factors such as evaporation, precipitation, and the inflow of freshwater from rivers. The average salinity of the ocean is relatively stable, although it can vary in different regions due to local conditions.

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  • 7. 

    Some gastropods have a radula to assist with feeding.  What is a radula and what does it do?

    • A radula is mouth device that looks like spiked tooth-like strap used to drill into a pelecypod (bivalve) which is its prey.

    • A radula is a large muscular foot used to pry open the shell of a pelecypod (bivalve) which is its prey.

    • A radula is a spiked foot like belt that wedges into a pelecypod (bivalve) which is its prey.

    • A radula is a chemosensitive mouth device that is used to poison a pelecypod (bivalve) which is its prey.

    Correct Answer
    A. A radula is mouth device that looks like spiked tooth-like strap used to drill into a pelecypod (bivalve) which is its prey.
  • 8. 

    What is a mollusk?

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

    • An organism with a soft shell and a hard interior skeleton

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

    • 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 hard shell provides protection and support for the soft body inside. Mollusks have a wide range of shell shapes and sizes, including those found in snails, clams, and octopuses. The soft muscle body allows mollusks to move and perform various functions such as feeding and reproduction. The presence of a hard shell is a defining characteristic of mollusks and helps distinguish them from other types of organisms.

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  • 9. 

    What is the difference between phytoplankton and zooplankton? 

    • Phytoplankton are plant wanderers, producers, made up of single-celled algae. Zooplanktons are animal wanderers made up of tiny animals that are consumers.

    • Phytoplankton are animal wanderers, consumers made up of single-celled organisms. Zooplankton are producers, plant wanderers.

    • Phytoplankton are consumers, plant wanderers. Zooplankton are animal wanderers.

    • Phytoplankton are one celled plant like wanderers. Zooplankton are scavengers.

    Correct Answer
    A. Phytoplankton are plant wanderers, producers, made up of single-celled algae. Zooplanktons are animal wanderers made up of tiny animals that are consumers.
    Explanation
    Phytoplankton are microscopic plants that float in bodies of water and produce their own food through photosynthesis. They are made up of single-celled algae. Zooplankton, on the other hand, are tiny animals that also float in water but are consumers. They feed on other plankton and organic matter. The correct answer explains the key differences between phytoplankton and zooplankton, highlighting their roles as producers and consumers, respectively, and their composition as single-celled algae and tiny animals.

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  • 10. 

    Phytoplankton are_______________________

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

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

    • Free floating microscopic scavengers that support the marine food chain.

    • 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 play a crucial role in the marine food chain. They are primary producers, meaning they convert sunlight and nutrients into organic matter through photosynthesis. This organic matter is then consumed by other organisms, such as zooplankton, which are in turn eaten by larger organisms. Phytoplankton are essential for the survival of marine ecosystems as they provide food and energy for a wide range of marine organisms.

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  • 11. 

    What is a berm and where is it found?

    • The back dune end of the supratidal zone

    • The movement of sand offshore during a storm

    • The supratidal ledge of sand at the high tide line

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

    Correct Answer
    A. 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 acts as a natural barrier between the ocean and the land. It is formed by the deposition of sand by waves and tides, and it helps to protect the land behind it from erosion and flooding. The berm is typically wider and higher than the beach, and it provides a stable area for vegetation to grow.

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  • 12. 
    Identify  letter "b" in this beach profile diagram. - ProProfs

    Identify  letter "b" in this beach profile diagram.

    • Low tide line

    • High tide line

    • Shore face

    • Near shore sand bar

    Correct Answer
    A. Low tide line
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "low tide line." In a beach profile diagram, the low tide line represents the point on the beach where the water recedes to during low tide. It is the furthest point that the water reaches during low tide before it starts to rise again during high tide. The low tide line is an important reference point for understanding the coastal dynamics and the extent of beach erosion or accretion.

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  • 13. 

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

    • Scavengers

    • Decomposers

    • Producers

    • Herbivores

    Correct Answer
    A. Scavengers
    Explanation
    Supratidal animals are those that live in the area above the high tide mark on the shore. They are exposed to air and sunlight during low tide and rely on the debris and detritus washed up along the strand line as a food source. Scavengers are organisms that feed on dead or decaying organic matter, making them the most suitable answer as they feed on the debris and detritus found in the supratidal zone. Decomposers break down organic material, producers create their own food through photosynthesis, and herbivores feed on plants, none of which accurately describe the feeding habits of supratidal animals.

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  • 14. 

    Most supratidal animals are______________ that feed on debris along ____________________

    • Most supratidal animals are scavengers that feed on debris along the strand line

    • Most supratidal animals are herbivores that feed on debris along the high tide line

    • Most supratidal animals are carnivores that feed on debris along the low tide line

    • 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
    Supratidal animals are organisms that inhabit the area above the high tide line, which is known as the supratidal zone. The term "scavengers" refers to animals that feed on dead or decaying organic matter. The "strand line" is the area where debris and organic material are deposited by the tides. Therefore, the correct answer states that most supratidal animals are scavengers that feed on debris along the strand line, indicating that they rely on the organic matter washed up by the tides for their food source.

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  • 15. 
    Identify letter "c" in this beach profile diagram. - ProProfs

    Identify letter "c" in this beach profile diagram.

    • Berm

    • Wrack line

    • Swash zone

    • Fore dune

    Correct Answer
    A. Berm
    Explanation
    The correct answer is berm. The berm is a raised area of sand or gravel that runs parallel to the shoreline. It is usually formed by the deposition of sediment by waves and tides. In the given beach profile diagram, the berm is labeled as "c".

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  • 16. 
    Identify letter  "a" in this beach profile diagram. - ProProfs

    Identify letter  "a" in this beach profile diagram.

    • High tide line

    • Low tide line

    • Shore face

    • Swash zone

    Correct Answer
    A. High tide line
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "high tide line." In a beach profile diagram, the high tide line represents the highest point reached by the tide during high tide. This line marks the boundary between the land and the water at high tide. The other options, such as the low tide line, shore face, and swash zone, represent different areas or features of the beach but do not specifically refer to the letter "a" in the diagram.

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  • 17. 

    The action of ____________________ sweeps larger shell particles and sand across the substrate surface, sometimes causing abrasions or burying plants and animals.

    • Waves

    • Tides

    • Longshore current

    • Winds

    Correct Answer
    A. Waves
    Explanation
    Waves have the ability to move larger shell particles and sand across the substrate surface. This movement can sometimes lead to abrasions or burying of plants and animals. Waves are caused by the wind blowing across the surface of the water, creating disturbances that travel through the water. These disturbances cause the water particles to move in a circular motion, resulting in the formation of waves.

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  • 18. 

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

    • Phytoplankton

    • Phytoplankton and zooplankton

    • Detritus and debris

    • Detritus

    Correct Answer
    A. Phytoplankton
    Explanation
    Phytoplankton serves as the primary plant material for the ocean beach intertidal zone. Phytoplankton are microscopic plants that float in the water and are capable of photosynthesis. They are the base of the food chain in marine ecosystems, providing food and energy for other organisms in the intertidal zone. Their abundance and productivity in this zone make them the primary plant material, supporting the entire ecosystem.

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  • 19. 

    Debris and detritus are deposited ___________________

    • At the high tide line.

    • At the shoreline.

    • Along the shoreface.

    • In the intertidal zone.

    Correct Answer
    A. At the high tide line.
    Explanation
    Debris and detritus are deposited at the high tide line because this is the area where the highest point of the tide reaches during high tide. As the tide recedes, it leaves behind the debris and detritus that it carried with it, resulting in a deposit at the high tide line. This is a common occurrence along coastlines and is influenced by the ebb and flow of the tides.

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  • 20. 

    Intertidal beach life is nourished largely by _______________ brought in by ____________.

    • Plankton, tides.

    • Zooplankton, waves.

    • Phytoplankton, waves.

    • Plankton, waves.

    Correct Answer
    A. Plankton, tides.
    Explanation
    Intertidal beach life relies on the nutrients provided by plankton, which are brought in by the tides. Plankton serve as a food source for many organisms in the intertidal zone, and the movement of the tides helps to distribute these microscopic organisms along the shoreline. This nourishment is essential for the survival and growth of intertidal organisms, making the combination of plankton and tides crucial for their existence.

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  • 21. 

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

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

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

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

    • 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 the wind coming off the ocean, the presence of water coming in with the tides, and in the space between the sand sediment. This is because wind helps to mix oxygen into the water, tides bring in fresh oxygen-rich water, and the space between the sand sediment allows for oxygen exchange with the surrounding water.

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  • Mar 20, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Apr 25, 2018
    Quiz Created by
    Rhaveno
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