Question

georgias coastal plain region takes up about 60% of the land in the state. long ago this area was part of the atlantic ocean and completely covered by water. an important feature of georgias coast is the salt marsh. georgias salt marshes maintain the biodiversity of the coastal estuaries. georgias salt marshes have been identified as one of the most extensive and productive marshland systems in the united states. its high level of photosynthesis leads to a large amount of biomass (nearly twenty tons/acre), which is four times more productive than corn fields. maintaining functioning ecosystems provides us with many benefits. which is not an important reason for maintaining the biodiversity of these ecosystems if the goal is to keep these ecosystem services? sev1e / dok 2 a. as the grasses die and decompose, they become a source of fuel, similar to peat, that can be used for industry by humans. b. salt marshes act as buffers against offshore storms, absorbing wave and current energy and reducing storm damage. c. the marsh grass serves as a nursery ground for young fish, shellfish, and crustaceans, which in turn support larger fish. d. the plants in georgias salt marshes produce more food energy than any estuarine zone on the eastern seaboard providing a rich base for many food chains. e. because salt marshes trap nutrients and sediment, and build organic matter to form peat, they are able to grow and keep pace with the rising sea level. 7. two simple food chains are shown here for a terrestrial and a marine ecosystem. assuming there is 100% availability of energy for the producers for each chain, which statement describes the energy availability at other levels of the food chain? sev1b / dok 2 a. the energy availability decreases as you move up both food chains, with the apex predator populations having the least energy availability. b. the energy availability increases as you move up both food chains, with the apex predators having the most energy availability. c. the energy availability increases as you move up the terrestrial food chain but decreases as you move up the marine food chain. d. the energy availability remains the same as you move up both food chains since the first law of thermodynamics states energy can neither be

Explanation:

1. For the first question about reasons for maintaining biodiversity in salt - marsh ecosystems:

• Option A focuses on using decomposed grasses as an industrial fuel source. This is more of a human - centric, industrial use rather than a key ecological reason for maintaining biodiversity.
• Option B: Salt marshes acting as buffers against storms is an important ecological service related to protecting coastal areas and maintaining the overall health of the ecosystem.
• Option C: The marsh grass serving as a nursery ground for young fish, shellfish, and crustaceans is crucial for the survival and growth of marine species, which is related to biodiversity and ecosystem services.
• Option D: The plants in salt marshes producing a rich food base for many food chains is an important aspect of maintaining the ecosystem's balance and biodiversity.
• Option E: Salt marshes' ability to trap nutrients, sediment, and keep pace with sea - level rise is important for the long - term survival of the ecosystem and maintaining its services.

1. For the second question about energy availability in food chains:

• According to the 10% rule of energy transfer in food chains, energy availability decreases as you move up the food chain. Producers have the most energy, and apex predators have the least. This is because only about 10% of the energy is passed on from one trophic level to the next.

Answer:

1. A
2. A