PADI Marine Biology & Conservation 2

Question 1

Which type of coral reproduction involves a coral polyp splitting to create a genetically identical clone?

Accepted Answer

Asexual budding or division

Answer

Sexual reproduction via spawning

Answer

Larval settlement

Answer

Fragmentation from storm damage only

Question 2

What is the term for the relationship between clownfish and sea anemones, where both organisms benefit?

Accepted Answer

Mutualism

Answer

Parasitism

Answer

Commensalism

Answer

Competition

Question 3

Which marine organism is the primary producer at the base of most open-ocean food webs?

Accepted Answer

Phytoplankton

Answer

Zooplankton

Answer

Kelp

Answer

Sea grass

Question 4

A diver observes a cephalopod rapidly changing skin color and texture. Which animal is most likely being observed?

Accepted Answer

Octopus or cuttlefish

Answer

Nautilus

Answer

Sea slug (nudibranch)

Answer

Flatfish

Question 5

What physiological adaptation allows marine mammals such as dolphins to dive repeatedly to depth without suffering decompression sickness?

Accepted Answer

Their lungs collapse at depth, preventing nitrogen absorption

Answer

They breathe enriched air before diving

Answer

They have a higher hemoglobin count that neutralizes nitrogen

Answer

They exhale all air before descending

Question 6

Which conservation status category, used by the IUCN Red List, indicates a species faces an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild?

Accepted Answer

Critically Endangered

Answer

Vulnerable

Answer

Endangered

Answer

Near Threatened

Question 7

What is 'ghost fishing' and why is it harmful to marine ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Abandoned or lost fishing gear that continues to trap and kill marine life

Answer

Fishing at night using lights to attract fish

Answer

Illegal fishing in protected marine reserves

Answer

The practice of catch-and-release fishing