Question

question 8 (1 point)
which of the following is an incorrect statement about the marine environment?
pressure is generally greater than on land.
free oxygen is more abundant than the terrestrial environment.
temperatures are more stable than on land.
salinity is an issue in the ocean but not on dry land.
because of the viscosity difference between water and air, it is much easier for organisms to move through the air.

Explanation:

• Pressure: In the marine environment, pressure increases with depth. For every 10 meters of water depth, pressure increases by about 1 atmosphere. On land, pressure is mainly due to the atmosphere (about 1 atmosphere at sea - level). So, pressure in the marine environment (especially at depth) is generally greater than on land.
• Free oxygen: In the terrestrial environment, the concentration of free oxygen (\(O_2\)) in the air is about 21%. In the marine environment, the solubility of oxygen in water is much lower. For example, at \(20^{\circ}C\) and 1 atmosphere, the solubility of oxygen in water is about 9 mg/L. So, free oxygen is less abundant in the marine environment compared to the terrestrial environment.
• Temperatures: Water has a high specific heat capacity. The ocean acts as a heat reservoir. Coastal areas and the ocean have more stable temperatures compared to inland (terrestrial) areas which can have large day - night and seasonal temperature variations.
• Salinity: Salinity is a major issue in the ocean (ranging from about 3.5% on average). On dry land, in areas like salt flats or regions with saline groundwater, salinity can also be a problem for plant and animal life.
• Viscosity and movement: Viscosity is a measure of a fluid's resistance to flow. The viscosity of water is much higher than that of air. Organisms generally need more energy to move through water (higher viscosity) than through air (lower viscosity). So, it is easier for organisms to move through air.

Answer:

Free oxygen is more abundant than the terrestrial environment.