Define the term "marine snow." What is it composed of? How is it affected by bacteria and other marine zooplankton? How does marine snow aid in the deposition of marine sediments?
What will be an ideal response?
Marine snow refers to aggregates of particulate organic matter that sink slowly in the water column. It is composed of the debris of many planktonic organisms; the mucus secretions of fishes, salps, larvaceans and others; fragmented fecal pellets; and other assorted organic materials. The ecological importance of marine snow is that it forms a habitat for bacteria, phytoplankton, and the animals that eat these two. It is also directly consumed by planktivores and pelagic fishes. Colonizing bacteria tend to enrich these sinking aggregates as a food source for other heterotrophs. Phytoplankton take advantage of the nutrients that are released by the decomposing activity of bacteria. Marine snow is also important because it tends to scavenge small, slow sinking particles from the water column, thereby adding to the mass of the sinking marine snow. Ultimately, marine snow is either consumed by animals in the water column or on the seafloor or it contributes to the deposition of biogenous sediments on the seafloor.
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The majority of cases of human plague in the United States occur in the northeastern states
Indicate whether the statement is true or false.
An organ is defined as
a. a single tissue grouped together to perform a specific function. b. 2 or more tissues in specific proportions grouped together to perform a specific function. c. cells of different tissues linked together by the circulatory system to allow multiple functions. d. only the reproductive parts in plants. e. none of these.
Hawkmoths are most likely to be attracted to flowers
that a. have red and yellow patterned petals. b. emit foul odors. c. have UV light reflective petals. d. have large, showy flowers. e. emit strong odors.
An unusual red sponge is discovered near a deep-sea vent. You want to determine if this is a new species of sponge, so you separate the cells for further study. A new lab assistant accidentally adds cells from a blue sponge to your preparation while you are at lunch. When you return, you find that the sponge cells have reaggregated into a multicellular organism. What do you see if the red and blue sponges are the same species?
A. one sponge with a red side and a blue side B. one blue sponge and one red sponge C. one sponge with blue and red randomly distributed D. one purple sponge (mix of red and blue colors) E. one sponge with alternating red and blue layers of cells