Marine Biology & Conservation Flashcards
7 cards from real PADI practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Marine Biology & Conservation flashcards as text
Which type of coral reproduction involves a coral polyp splitting to create a genetically identical clone?
Answer: Asexual budding or division
Asexual budding or division allows coral polyps to clone themselves, expanding a colony without the genetic exchange of sexual reproduction.
What is the term for the relationship between clownfish and sea anemones, where both organisms benefit?
Answer: Mutualism
Mutualism describes the clownfish-anemone relationship: clownfish gain shelter while the anemone benefits from the fish removing parasites and increasing water circulation.
Which marine organism is the primary producer at the base of most open-ocean food webs?
Answer: Phytoplankton
Phytoplankton are microscopic photosynthetic organisms that form the foundation of open-ocean food webs by converting sunlight and CO₂ into organic matter.
A diver observes a cephalopod rapidly changing skin color and texture. Which animal is most likely being observed?
Answer: Octopus or cuttlefish
Octopuses and cuttlefish possess specialized chromatophores and papillae that allow rapid, dynamic color and texture changes for camouflage and communication.
What physiological adaptation allows marine mammals such as dolphins to dive repeatedly to depth without suffering decompression sickness?
Answer: Their lungs collapse at depth, preventing nitrogen absorption
Marine mammals have flexible ribcages that allow their lungs to collapse under pressure, preventing significant nitrogen uptake and thus avoiding decompression sickness.
Which conservation status category, used by the IUCN Red List, indicates a species faces an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild?
Answer: Critically Endangered
Critically Endangered is the highest risk category before Extinct in the Wild, indicating a species faces an extremely high probability of extinction.
What is 'ghost fishing' and why is it harmful to marine ecosystems?
Answer: Abandoned or lost fishing gear that continues to trap and kill marine life
Ghost fishing occurs when lost or abandoned nets, traps, and lines continue to indiscriminately trap and kill fish, sea turtles, marine mammals, and other organisms.