Instructions
Format
This part of the final exam consists of multiple choice questions that assess understanding of specific aspects of the course explored in the various learning modules. There are five options for the answer to each question. There are 10 questions each worth 1 point so that the quiz is worth a total of 10 points, plus an extra two bonus questions each worth 1 point, which are graded manually.
Question 1 1 pts
How much energy is typically transferred between successive trophic levels?
10%
90%
50%
5%
1%
Question 2 1 pts
Which of the following treatments of oil spillages is preferable when possible?
Containment using booms and skimmers to recover oil.
Burning of spilled oil.
Dispersal using surfactants to form emulsions.
Use of high-pressure steam to clean contaminated beaches.
No treatment has proven more effective that any form of clean-up efforts.
Question 3 1 pts
The amount of dust in the atmosphere (as recorded in Antarctic ice cores that span recent glacial/interglacial cycles):
Increases during glacial episodes.
Increases during interglacials.
Has increased over the duration of recent glacial/interglacial cycles.
Remains constant over time.
Varies independently from the timing of glacial/interglacial cycles.
Question 4 1 pts
Where along an irregular shoreline will wave energy be dispersed?
Embayments.
Cliffs.
Headlands.
Offshore bars.
Nowhere: wave energy is always evenly distributed along the shoreline.
Question 5 1 pts
The beach at Seaside, FL experiences diurnal tides. If its tide station recorded a high tide at 12:00 pm today when will the next high tide likely occur?
12:50 pm tomorrow
12:00 am tomorrow
12:00 pm tomorrow
6:00 pm today
6:00 am tomorrow
Question 6 1 pts
Spilling breakers are typically associated with which of the following shorelines?
Flat bottomed shorelines.
Steep bottomed shorelines.
Very steep bottomed shorelines.
Any slope of shoreline.
Shorelines with longshore bars
Question 7 1 pts
Which of the following species of whale feeds almost exclusively on squid?
Sperm whale
Blue whale
Fin whale
Humpback whale
Right whale
Question 8 1 pts
Which of the following characteristics is shared by the largest species of whales, sharks, and fish?
They feed on plankton.
They feed on large fish.
They give birth to live young.
They live in polar waters.
They live in the tropics.
Question 9 1 pts
The concentrations of nutrients like nitrate in surface ocean waters are:
Lowest in the center of ocean gyres.
Depleted by upwelling.
Higher than the concentrations in deep ocean waters.
Replenished by primary production.
Lowest in coastal regions.
Question 10 1 pts
Which of the following organisms is best adapted to muddy sedimentary environments?
Sediment ingesters (e.g. lugworms).
Corals.
Filter feeders (e.g. anemones).
Sand stars.
All organisms can thrive in muddy sedimentary environments.
Question 11 1 pts
Bonus Question (1 pt)
Why have some species of marine birds evolved longer, narrower, and sometimes curved, beaks?
To probe deeper in coastal sediments for worms and mollusks.
To aid their diving for fish.
To enhance their aerodynamics forswimming.
To improve their ability to skewer fish.
To help them shallow fish whole.
Question 12 1 pts
Bonus Question (1 pt)
Why do many benthic invertebrates produce planktonic larvae?
To aid dispersal of their larvae.
To avoid desiccation.
To provide food for crustaceans.
To help stabilize oyster beds.
Benthic invertebrates don’t produce planktonic larvae.