Impact of Climate Change on Water-Dependent Ecosystems

Description: This quiz focuses on the impacts of climate change on water-dependent ecosystems. It covers topics such as the effects of rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events on aquatic habitats and the organisms that rely on them.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: climate change water-dependent ecosystems aquatic habitats biodiversity conservation
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How does climate change affect the water temperature of lakes, rivers, and oceans?

  1. It causes a decrease in water temperature.

  2. It causes an increase in water temperature.

  3. It has no effect on water temperature.

  4. It causes water temperature to fluctuate erratically.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Climate change leads to rising air temperatures, which in turn cause an increase in water temperature. This is because water absorbs heat from the atmosphere.

What is the primary cause of sea-level rise due to climate change?

  1. Melting of glaciers and ice sheets.

  2. Thermal expansion of ocean water.

  3. Increased precipitation.

  4. Deforestation.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

As the Earth's temperature rises, glaciers and ice sheets melt, adding more water to the oceans and causing sea levels to rise.

How does climate change affect the distribution and abundance of aquatic species?

  1. It has no effect on aquatic species.

  2. It causes aquatic species to become more abundant.

  3. It causes aquatic species to become less abundant.

  4. It causes aquatic species to migrate to new locations.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Climate change can cause aquatic species to migrate to new locations in search of more suitable habitats, as water temperatures and other environmental conditions change.

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of coral bleaching due to rising ocean temperatures?

  1. Loss of coral reefs.

  2. Increased biodiversity.

  3. Reduced fish populations.

  4. Harm to marine ecosystems.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Coral bleaching, caused by rising ocean temperatures, leads to the loss of coral reefs, reduced fish populations, and harm to marine ecosystems. It does not result in increased biodiversity.

How does climate change affect the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and floods?

  1. It decreases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.

  2. It has no effect on extreme weather events.

  3. It increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.

  4. It makes extreme weather events more predictable.


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Climate change leads to an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts.

What is the primary cause of ocean acidification due to climate change?

  1. Increased carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere.

  2. Decreased oxygen levels in the atmosphere.

  3. Increased water temperature.

  4. Deforestation.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Ocean acidification is primarily caused by the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by the oceans. As carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere increase due to human activities, more carbon dioxide is absorbed by the oceans, leading to ocean acidification.

How does ocean acidification affect marine organisms, such as shellfish and corals?

  1. It has no effect on marine organisms.

  2. It makes marine organisms more resilient.

  3. It makes marine organisms more susceptible to disease.

  4. It helps marine organisms grow faster.


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Ocean acidification can make marine organisms, such as shellfish and corals, more susceptible to disease and can also hinder their ability to build and maintain their shells and skeletons.

What is the term used to describe the process by which aquatic ecosystems become more acidic due to climate change?

  1. Ocean acidification.

  2. Water acidification.

  3. Acid rain.

  4. Carbonation.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Ocean acidification is the term used to describe the process by which the pH of the ocean decreases due to the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

How does climate change affect the availability of freshwater resources, such as rivers and lakes?

  1. It increases the availability of freshwater resources.

  2. It has no effect on the availability of freshwater resources.

  3. It decreases the availability of freshwater resources.

  4. It makes freshwater resources more polluted.


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Climate change can lead to decreased precipitation in some regions, resulting in reduced water levels in rivers and lakes and increased water scarcity.

Which of the following is NOT a potential consequence of climate change on water-dependent ecosystems?

  1. Loss of biodiversity.

  2. Increased water pollution.

  3. Improved water quality.

  4. Habitat degradation.


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Climate change is likely to have negative impacts on water-dependent ecosystems, including loss of biodiversity, increased water pollution, and habitat degradation. It is not expected to lead to improved water quality.

What is the term used to describe the process by which glaciers and ice sheets melt due to climate change?

  1. Glacial retreat.

  2. Ice sheet collapse.

  3. Permafrost thaw.

  4. Sea-level rise.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Glacial retreat is the term used to describe the process by which glaciers and ice sheets melt and recede due to climate change.

How does climate change affect the distribution and abundance of aquatic plants?

  1. It has no effect on aquatic plants.

  2. It causes aquatic plants to become more abundant.

  3. It causes aquatic plants to become less abundant.

  4. It causes aquatic plants to migrate to new locations.


Correct Option:
Explanation:

Climate change can affect the distribution and abundance of aquatic plants in various ways. Some species may thrive in warmer waters, while others may struggle to survive. The overall impact depends on the specific plant species and the local environmental conditions.

What is the term used to describe the process by which permafrost, or permanently frozen ground, melts due to climate change?

  1. Permafrost thaw.

  2. Glacial retreat.

  3. Ice sheet collapse.

  4. Sea-level rise.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Permafrost thaw is the term used to describe the process by which permafrost, or permanently frozen ground, melts and thaws due to climate change.

How does climate change affect the timing and duration of seasonal events in water-dependent ecosystems, such as the spring thaw or the fall turnover?

  1. It has no effect on seasonal events.

  2. It causes seasonal events to occur earlier.

  3. It causes seasonal events to occur later.

  4. It makes seasonal events more unpredictable.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Climate change can cause seasonal events in water-dependent ecosystems to occur earlier, as warmer temperatures lead to earlier melting of ice and snow and earlier onset of spring conditions.

What is the term used to describe the process by which sea levels rise due to climate change?

  1. Sea-level rise.

  2. Glacial retreat.

  3. Ice sheet collapse.

  4. Permafrost thaw.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Sea-level rise is the term used to describe the process by which the level of the oceans rises due to climate change, primarily caused by the melting of glaciers and ice sheets and the thermal expansion of ocean water.

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