Bank Exams Exam  >  Bank Exams Questions  >  What significant ecological impact was observ... Start Learning for Free
What significant ecological impact was observed as a result of the 2014-2016 Pacific marine heatwave?
  • a)
    Decrease in freshwater fish populations
  • b)
    Mass mortality of seabirds, specifically common murres
  • c)
    Increase in plankton diversity
  • d)
    Expansion of coral reefs
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
What significant ecological impact was observed as a result of the 201...
The 2014-2016 Pacific marine heatwave led to the mass mortality of over four million common murres, marking one of the largest die-offs of vertebrates linked to warming oceans. This event underscores the vulnerability of marine species to sudden changes in their environment, highlighting the interconnectedness of marine ecosystems and the far-reaching consequences of climate change.
Free Test
Community Answer
What significant ecological impact was observed as a result of the 201...
Overview of the 2014-2016 Pacific Marine Heatwave
The 2014-2016 Pacific marine heatwave, also known as "The Blob," was a significant climate event characterized by unusually high ocean temperatures along the North American West Coast. This phenomenon had profound ecological consequences.
Mass Mortality of Seabirds
One of the most alarming impacts was the mass mortality of seabirds, particularly the common murre. The following points highlight this issue:
- Disruption of Food Sources: The heatwave led to a decline in the abundance of prey species such as small fish and zooplankton. This disruption made it difficult for seabirds to find adequate food.
- Starvation and Breeding Failure: Many common murres faced starvation as they struggled to feed their chicks. The lack of food resulted in lower breeding success rates, leading to a significant decline in their populations.
- Widespread Deaths: Reports indicated that thousands of common murres died along the coast, with some estimates suggesting mortality rates exceeding 50% in certain colonies. This decline had cascading effects on the marine ecosystem.
Other Ecological Impacts
While the mass mortality of seabirds was one of the most visible impacts, the heatwave also caused other ecological shifts:
- Altered Marine Ecosystems: Changes in species composition and distribution were observed as warmer waters favored certain species over others, leading to shifts in the marine food web.
- Increased Disease: Warmer temperatures also facilitated the spread of diseases among marine organisms, further stressing populations.
In summary, the 2014-2016 Pacific marine heatwave significantly affected seabird populations, particularly through the mass mortality of common murres, highlighting the interconnectedness of marine ecosystems and the impact of climate change.
Explore Courses for Bank Exams exam
Question Description
What significant ecological impact was observed as a result of the 2014-2016 Pacific marine heatwave?a) Decrease in freshwater fish populationsb) Mass mortality of seabirds, specifically common murresc) Increase in plankton diversityd) Expansion of coral reefsCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? for Bank Exams 2025 is part of Bank Exams preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the Bank Exams exam syllabus. Information about What significant ecological impact was observed as a result of the 2014-2016 Pacific marine heatwave?a) Decrease in freshwater fish populationsb) Mass mortality of seabirds, specifically common murresc) Increase in plankton diversityd) Expansion of coral reefsCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for Bank Exams 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for What significant ecological impact was observed as a result of the 2014-2016 Pacific marine heatwave?a) Decrease in freshwater fish populationsb) Mass mortality of seabirds, specifically common murresc) Increase in plankton diversityd) Expansion of coral reefsCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for What significant ecological impact was observed as a result of the 2014-2016 Pacific marine heatwave?a) Decrease in freshwater fish populationsb) Mass mortality of seabirds, specifically common murresc) Increase in plankton diversityd) Expansion of coral reefsCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for Bank Exams. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for Bank Exams Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of What significant ecological impact was observed as a result of the 2014-2016 Pacific marine heatwave?a) Decrease in freshwater fish populationsb) Mass mortality of seabirds, specifically common murresc) Increase in plankton diversityd) Expansion of coral reefsCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of What significant ecological impact was observed as a result of the 2014-2016 Pacific marine heatwave?a) Decrease in freshwater fish populationsb) Mass mortality of seabirds, specifically common murresc) Increase in plankton diversityd) Expansion of coral reefsCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for What significant ecological impact was observed as a result of the 2014-2016 Pacific marine heatwave?a) Decrease in freshwater fish populationsb) Mass mortality of seabirds, specifically common murresc) Increase in plankton diversityd) Expansion of coral reefsCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of What significant ecological impact was observed as a result of the 2014-2016 Pacific marine heatwave?a) Decrease in freshwater fish populationsb) Mass mortality of seabirds, specifically common murresc) Increase in plankton diversityd) Expansion of coral reefsCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice What significant ecological impact was observed as a result of the 2014-2016 Pacific marine heatwave?a) Decrease in freshwater fish populationsb) Mass mortality of seabirds, specifically common murresc) Increase in plankton diversityd) Expansion of coral reefsCorrect answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice Bank Exams tests.
Explore Courses for Bank Exams exam

Top Courses for Bank Exams

Explore Courses
Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
10M+ students study on EduRev