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What is the effect of increased ocean temperature on coral reefs?
Increased temperature causes coral bleaching, potentially leading to coral death and reef degradation.
What are the consequences of melting sea ice?
Sea-level rise, habitat loss for polar species, and reduced albedo, leading to further warming.
What is the effect of ocean warming on marine biodiversity?
Ocean warming can lead to habitat loss, species migration, and potential extinction of temperature-sensitive species.
What is the effect of increased greenhouse gasses on ocean temperature?
Increased greenhouse gasses trap more heat in the atmosphere, leading to increased ocean temperatures.
What is the effect of coral bleaching on the marine ecosystem?
Coral bleaching causes a loss of habitat and food sources, leading to a decline in biodiversity and overall ecosystem health.
What is the effect of melting ice caps on ocean salinity?
Melting ice caps add freshwater to the ocean, decreasing salinity levels in certain regions.
Explain the symbiotic relationship between coral and zooxanthellae.
Algae provide coral with sugar (food), and coral provides algae with shelter and nutrients.
How does ocean warming affect marine ectotherms?
It can cause metabolic stress, impairing their ability to metabolize food and reproduce.
Why are corals important?
Corals are the foundation of the coral reef ecosystem, which supports a large amount of marine life.
How does melting sea ice affect albedo?
Melting sea ice decreases albedo, causing the Earth to absorb more solar radiation and further warm.
Explain the impact of sea-level rise on coastal habitats.
Sea-level rise can inundate coastal habitats, leading to habitat loss and displacement of species.
Why is the ocean important in regulating global temperatures?
The ocean absorbs a large amount of heat, helping to regulate global temperatures. However, excess heat absorption leads to ocean warming.
What is the role of the ocean in the carbon cycle?
The ocean absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, acting as a carbon sink. However, increased CO2 absorption leads to ocean acidification.
How do changes in ocean currents impact global climate?
Ocean currents distribute heat around the globe, influencing regional climates. Changes in these currents can lead to significant climate shifts.
Define ectotherm.
An animal that relies on external sources of heat to regulate its body temperature.
What are zooxanthellae?
Algae that live symbiotically within coral tissues.
Define coral bleaching.
The expulsion of zooxanthellae from coral, causing it to turn white.
What is albedo?
The measure of how much light that hits a surface is reflected without being absorbed.
Define polyp (in the context of coral).
A tiny, individual coral animal that forms part of a coral colony.
What is a symbiotic relationship?
A close and long-term biological interaction between two different biological organisms.