1.
Looking at the image, the smaller rivers that flow into the Potomac River are its...
Correct Answer
C. Tributaries
Explanation
The correct answer is tributaries. Tributaries are smaller rivers or streams that flow into a larger river, such as the Potomac River. They contribute water, sediment, and nutrients to the main river, and help to increase its flow and volume. In the image, we can see several smaller rivers flowing into the Potomac River, indicating that they are tributaries. Wetlands, floodplains, and lakes are not the correct terms to describe these smaller rivers.
2.
Which of the following images is a marsh?
Correct Answer
C. Option 3
Explanation
Option 3 is a marsh because it shows a low-lying wetland area with tall grasses and water. Marshes are characterized by their waterlogged soil and the presence of emergent vegetation such as reeds, cattails, and rushes. Option 1 and Option 2 do not depict the characteristics of a marsh as they show different landscapes or environments.
3.
Which of the following are functions of a wetland? (Check all that apply)
Correct Answer(s)
B. Act as a natural filter
D. Store floodwaters
E. Provide a habitat for various species
Explanation
Wetlands act as a natural filter by trapping and removing pollutants from water, thereby improving water quality. They also store floodwaters, which helps in reducing the risk of flooding in nearby areas. Wetlands provide a habitat for various species, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, contributing to biodiversity and supporting the ecological balance.
4.
The Chesapeake Bay is an example of what?
Correct Answer
B. An Estuary
Explanation
The Chesapeake Bay is an example of an estuary. An estuary is a partially enclosed coastal body of water where freshwater from rivers and streams mixes with saltwater from the ocean. The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States and is located on the East Coast. It is formed by the convergence of several rivers, including the Susquehanna, Potomac, and James Rivers, and is home to a diverse ecosystem that supports numerous species of plants and animals.
5.
Which letter represents the largest estuary in the US?
Correct Answer
B. C
Explanation
The letter C represents the largest estuary in the US. An estuary is a partially enclosed coastal body of brackish water where freshwater from rivers and streams mixes with saltwater from the ocean. The largest estuary in the US is Chesapeake Bay, which is located on the East Coast and spans across several states including Maryland and Virginia.
6.
Which of the following are abiotic factors that may be found in a watershed?
Correct Answer(s)
A. Mountain
B. Valley
D. Water
Explanation
Abiotic factors are non-living components of an ecosystem. Mountains and valleys are abiotic factors as they are physical features of the landscape. Water is also an abiotic factor as it is a non-living component necessary for the survival of organisms in a watershed. Deer and daisy, on the other hand, are living organisms and therefore considered biotic factors.
7.
Which of the following could be biotic factors of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed? (check all that apply)
Correct Answer(s)
B. Coneflower
D. Blue heron
Explanation
The Chesapeake Bay Watershed is a complex ecosystem that supports a diverse range of living organisms. Biotic factors are living components of an ecosystem that can directly or indirectly affect other organisms. In this case, the coneflower and blue heron are both living organisms that can be found in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. The coneflower is a plant species that contributes to the overall biodiversity of the area, while the blue heron is a bird species that plays a role in the food chain. Both of these organisms are examples of biotic factors that could be present in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
8.
A living community, and the non-living factors that affect it is known as...
Correct Answer
A. An ecosystem
Explanation
An ecosystem refers to a living community and the non-living factors that influence it. It encompasses all the organisms in a specific area, including plants, animals, and microorganisms, as well as the physical environment they interact with. This includes the air, water, soil, and climate. Ecosystems can vary in size, from a small pond to a vast forest. They are interconnected systems where energy and nutrients flow through various organisms, creating a complex web of relationships. Overall, an ecosystem represents the intricate balance and interactions between living organisms and their environment.
9.
The health of an ecosystem is directly related to its...
Correct Answer
A. Water quality
Explanation
The health of an ecosystem is directly related to its water quality. Water quality is crucial for the survival of various organisms and the overall balance of the ecosystem. It affects the availability of resources, such as clean drinking water and food sources, for the biotic factors in the ecosystem. Poor water quality can lead to pollution, habitat degradation, and loss of biodiversity. It can also impact the reproductive success and overall health of animal life within the ecosystem. Therefore, maintaining good water quality is essential for the sustainability and well-being of the ecosystem.
10.
A fish is looking for a location where freshwater and ocean water mix to lay its eggs. The fish should lay its eggs in —
Correct Answer
B. An estuary
Explanation
Estuaries are areas where freshwater and ocean water mix, making them the ideal location for the fish to lay its eggs. Watersheds are areas where all the water drains into a common point, but they do not necessarily involve the mixing of freshwater and ocean water. Rivers and tributaries are bodies of freshwater and do not involve the mixing of ocean water, so they would not be suitable for the fish to lay its eggs.