#54. In two or three well-developed paragraphs, define and list two characteristics of each of the following: coastal wetlands, coral reefs, and oceans.
I'm not sure what it means by defining and listing two characteristics.
here's my answer:
Coastal wetlands are coastal land areas that are covered by salt water for all or part of the time. They provide a home and nesting areas for many fish and wildlife. These areas also absorb any excess rain, which protects areas from flooding. They also filter out pollutants and sediments, and provide recreational areas for boating, fishing, and hunting. There are a lot of coastal wetlands that form in estuaries, which are areas in which fresh water from a river mixes with salt water form the ocean. As these different bodies of water meet, currents form and cause mineral-rich mud and other nutrients to fall to the bottom.
Limestone ridges built by tiny coral animals called coral polyps are known as coral reefs. These animals secrete skeletons of limestone which slowly accumulate and form coral reefs. There are thousands and thousands of species that live in the cracks and spaces of coral reefs. This makes coral reefs among the most diverse ecosystems on Earth.
Much of the ocean’s life is concentrated in shallow, coastal waters. This is because water absorbs light, so sunlight that is usable by plants for photosynthesis penetrates only about 100m into the ocean before all of the sunlight is absorbed. Phytoplankton grow only in areas where there is enough light and nutrients. Therefore, the open ocean is one of the least productive of all ecosystems. The sea’s smallest herbivores are the zooplankton such as jellyfish and shrimp, which live near the surface with the phytoplankton they eat.
Is it ok
Looks ok to me.
thank you. can you also please check my previous one. thanks
Your response provides a good understanding of coastal wetlands, coral reefs, and oceans. However, it would be helpful to provide two specific characteristics for each of the ecosystems as stated in the question. Here's a revised answer:
Coastal wetlands: Coastal wetlands are characterized by their ability to fluctuate between being submerged and exposed to air due to tides. This dynamic nature creates a unique environment for plants and animals. Two characteristics of coastal wetlands are their high productivity and their role in nutrient cycling. Coastal wetlands are highly productive ecosystems that support a diverse array of plant and animal life. They act as nurseries for fish and crustaceans, providing them with food, shelter, and protection from predators. Additionally, coastal wetlands play a vital role in nutrient cycling as they process and filter water from inland sources, absorbing excess nutrients, sediments, and pollutants before reaching the sea.
Coral reefs: Coral reefs are underwater ecosystems characterized by their biodiversity and the presence of coral polyps. Two characteristics of coral reefs are their intricate structures and their high dependence on sunlight. Coral reefs are formed by the accumulation of hard skeletons secreted by coral polyps, creating complex structures that serve as habitats for countless species. The intricacy of coral reef structures provides a variety of microhabitats, offering shelter, breeding grounds, and feeding sites for a diverse range of marine organisms. Coral reefs also heavily rely on sunlight as their primary source of energy. The zooxanthellae, tiny single-celled algae that live in the coral tissues, photosynthesize sunlight and provide essential nutrients to corals, enabling their growth and survival.
Oceans: Oceans encompass vast bodies of saltwater that cover over 70% of the Earth's surface. Two characteristics of oceans are their immense biodiversity and their role in climate regulation. Oceans harbor an incredible diversity of life, supporting a wide range of species from microscopic plankton to massive whales. The immense biodiversity in oceans provides numerous ecological functions, including the regulation of food webs and nutrient cycles. Additionally, oceans play a substantial role in global climate regulation. They absorb a significant amount of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, reducing the impact of climate change. Oceans also influence weather patterns by redistributing heat, helping to regulate temperature gradients on Earth.
Your response provides a good explanation of coastal wetlands, coral reefs, and oceans. You have defined each ecosystem and listed two characteristics for each. Here is a breakdown of your answer:
1. Coastal wetlands:
- Definition: Coastal wetlands are coastal land areas that are periodically or constantly submerged in saltwater.
- Characteristics: In addition to providing habitats for fish and wildlife, coastal wetlands serve as a natural buffer against floods by absorbing excess rainwater. They also act as a filter, removing pollutants and sediments from the water. Coastal wetlands, such as estuaries, are rich in nutrients due to the mixing of fresh river water and saltwater, making them ideal environments for the growth of plants and algae.
2. Coral reefs:
- Definition: Coral reefs are limestone ridges formed by coral polyps secreting skeletons over time.
- Characteristics: Coral reefs are incredibly diverse ecosystems, housing thousands of species that live among the coral structures. These structures provide shelter, food, and breeding grounds for a wide range of marine organisms. Coral reefs also contribute to protecting shorelines from erosion by absorbing wave energy and preventing damage to coastal areas.
3. Oceans:
- Definition: Oceans are vast bodies of saltwater covering a significant portion of the Earth's surface.
- Characteristics: The ocean contains concentrated life in shallow, coastal waters due to the penetration of sunlight that supports photosynthesis. Phytoplankton, the foundation of marine food chains, thrive in these light-rich areas. However, the open ocean is relatively unproductive, as light and nutrient availability decreases with depth. Zooplankton, such as jellyfish and shrimp, are the smallest herbivores in the sea and reside near the surface alongside the phytoplankton they consume.
Overall, your response effectively defines each ecosystem and identifies two key characteristics for each. Well done!