Question

What are ocean organisms that drift in ocean currents called? A) nekton C) benthos B) pollutants D) plankton

Short answer

Plankton.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the question

The question is asking for the term used to describe organisms that drift with ocean currents.

Analyze the Options

We need to differentiate each option given in the question: - **Nekton (A)**: These are aquatic animals that can swim and move independently of water currents. - **Benthos (B)**: These organisms live on, in, or near the seabed, also known as the benthic zone. - **Pollutants (C)**: This term refers to substances that pollute the ocean, not organisms. - **Plankton (D)**: These are small and microscopic organisms that drift or float in the sea or freshwater.

Identify the Correct Term

Since the question specifically mentions organisms that 'drift' in ocean currents, the correct answer is the term used for such organisms, which is **Plankton (D)**. Plankton are passively drifting organisms, often small, that live in the water column of large bodies of water and are crucial to aquatic food webs.

Key concepts

Ocean Currents

Ocean currents are like vast rivers flowing through the ocean. They play a critical role in regulating the Earth's climate by distributing heat around the globe. These currents are influenced by factors such as wind, water temperature, salinity, and the Earth's rotation.

The movement of ocean currents affects marine life. They can transport nutrients and organisms across large distances, facilitating the mixing of water.

• Surface currents are primarily driven by wind.
• Deep-water currents are influenced by water density differences caused by temperature and salinity variations.

Ocean currents have a significant impact on the distribution of marine organisms. For example, the Gulf Stream carries warm water from the Gulf of Mexico up the eastern coast of the United States, creating diverse habitats.

Understanding ocean currents is crucial for navigation, climate prediction, and even for rescuing lost materials at sea.

Marine Organisms

Marine organisms are the diverse and complex forms of life that inhabit the ocean. They range from tiny microscopic plankton to the massive blue whale.

These organisms are grouped based on their lifestyle and habitat. For instance, plankton are known for drifting with ocean currents, while nekton includes actively swimming animals like fish and dolphins. Benthos are the organisms living on the ocean floor.

• Phytoplankton are plant-like organisms that perform photosynthesis.
• Zooplankton are animal plankton and can include larval stages of larger animals.
• Corals and seaweeds are examples of benthic organisms.

Marine organisms are crucial for maintaining the balance of aquatic ecosystems. They provide food for other species and contribute to the cycling of elements like carbon and nitrogen.

Aquatic Ecosystems

Aquatic ecosystems include all the living organisms and their physical environment in bodies of water. This covers oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.

Each aquatic ecosystem comprises distinct communities where species interact with each other and their surroundings. For example, coral reefs are bustling ecosystems teeming with life, while deep-sea ecosystems host unique organisms adapted to extreme conditions.

• Plankton form the base of many aquatic food chains.
• Predators like sharks and dolphins regulate populations of other marine species.
• Healthy aquatic ecosystems provide services like carbon storage and oxygen production.

Aquatic ecosystems are sensitive to changes in water quality and temperature. Human activities, such as pollution and overfishing, pose significant threats to these vital systems.

Oceanography

Oceanography is the scientific study of the ocean and its phenomena. It encompasses various fields such as marine biology, chemistry, geology, and physics.

This discipline helps us understand how the ocean functions and its role in the Earth's systems. Oceanographers study currents, waves, marine life, and the ocean floor to gain insights into how oceans support life and influence the climate.

• Biological oceanography focuses on the life forms within the ocean.
• Chemical oceanography examines the composition of seawater and its chemical cycles.
• Physical oceanography investigates ocean currents and waves.

Oceanography provides crucial information for environmental conservation and resource management. It helps predict the impacts of climate change and devise strategies to protect marine ecosystems.