coastal ecosystems (coral reefs and mangroves)

Question 1

coral reefs distribution are affected by

Answer 1

temperature (more than 18*)
light (need light for photosynthesis)
water depth (shallow water)
salinity (need salty water)

Question 2

coral reefs

Answer 2

coral reefs are large deposits of calcium carbonate built entirely of living organisms called coral polyps

Question 3

types of coral reefs

Answer 3

• fringing reefs – formed around land mass
• barrier reefs – found parallel to shore – separated by water
• atolls – horseshoe – coral rim encircles lagoon