Exotic Species Quiz

The answers for this short quiz can be found in the material on this web page.

1. Why do ships carry ballast water?

A. To cool the vessel's engines B. So they have a fresh water supply on board C. To provide stability D. All of the above Answer

2. Ballast is taken on when:

A. The ship has a full load of cargo B. The ship is empty or partially full of cargo C. The ship encounters rough weather D. The ship is about to enter a port Answer

3. Which species is thought to have been introduced to New England via ballast water?

A. Hemigrapsus sanguineus, the Japanese shore crab B. Ostrea edulis, the European oyster C. Metridium senile, the frilled anemone D. Mnemiopsus leidyi, the American comb jelly Answer

4. In what year was the requirement made that all ships entering US ports after having been overseas report their ballast activity?

A. 1999 B. 1996 C. 1988 D. 1944 Answer

5. A ship takes on ballast in France, then travels to Lake Erie, in the United States. Before it can release its ballast, what requirements must it meet?

A. It must report all of its ballasting activity over the course of its voyage. B. It must have exchanged its ballast water mid-ocean. C. It must have no living organisms in the ballast water D. No requirements are mandatory Answer

6. Why are nonindigenous species considered so harmful?

A. They cause economic damage B. They often have no natural predators in their new habitat C. They can out-compete native species D. All of the above Answer

7. How was Perkensis marinus, the dermo protozoan parasite probably introduced to New England?

A. Through ballast water released in the Gulf of Maine B. Through the introduction of American oysters C. Through the introduction of Pacific Salmon D. Through natural migration Answer

8. Why is the goby fish, native to the Black and Caspian Seas, a problem in the Great Lakes?

A. It eats the eggs and small fry of other fish B. It has no predators C. It feeds on zebra mussels D. All of the above Answer

9. The Pacific seastar, Asterias amurensis, is an invader of Australia's waters. How many were estimated to be in Derwent Estuary, Australia in the summer of 1999?

A. 3,000 B. 30,000 C. 3,000,000 D. 30,000,000 Answer

10. Which species below is native to New England?

A. Carcinus Maenus, the green crab B. Membranipora membranacea, a bryozoan C. Littorina littorea, a periwinkle D. None of the above Answer