Coral reefs

Question 1

What are the main ecological features of a coral reef

Answer 1

• light
• depth
• salinity
• temperature
• biodiversity

Question 2

What is a coral reef

Answer 2

• made up of thousands of coral polyps
• polyps secrete calcium carbonate

Question 3

How do coral polyps feed and get the energy they need to survive

Answer 3

• they have tentacles and cilia
• tentacles collect and trap small particles
• they have nematocysts which are stinging cells which catch live prey

Question 4

What are the importance of coral reefs

Answer 4

• protect coastlines from storms and erosion
• provide food for humans
• provide jobs for local communities
• source of new medicines
• important for tourism

Question 5

Example of medicine developed from coral reef species

Answer 5

• sea sponges - AZT - treat HIV and viruses

Question 6

How does physical damage affect coral reefs

Answer 6

• divers, fishing boats and fishing gear physically damaged the coral by breaking it
• can be unintentional or intentional

Question 7

How does collection of ornaments and souvenirs affect coral reefs

Answer 7

• intentional removal of coral
• made into jewelry

Question 8

How does sedimentation affect coral reefs

Answer 8

• build up of sediment
• less light penetration which means algae will struggle to photosynthesis

Question 9

How does pollution affect coral reefs

Answer 9

• litter - because of tourism
• pile spills from boats
• sewage from land

Question 10

How does coral bleaching affect coral reefs

Answer 10

• coral looses their colour
• because there is no food and algae die which means the polyps die

Question 11

How does fishing affect coral reefs

Answer 11

• overfishing
• dynamite fishing

Question 12

How does coastal development affect coral reefs

Answer 12

• increases turbidity
• removes the coral

Question 13

How does loss of interdependent habitats affect coral reefs

Answer 13

• if we loose one, some coral reef species can die

Question 14

Facts about COTS

Answer 14

• sharp venomous spikes
• nocturnal
• they eat the coral

Question 15

What are COTS like under normal conditions

Answer 15

• population will be kept in check by predators
• small number will get to adulthood

Question 16

What causes an increase in the number of COTS

Answer 16

• sewage and agricultural run off - contains fertilisers which are rich in nutrients
• COTS eat the nutrients and live longer

Question 17

Consequences of COTS outbreaks

Answer 17

• loss of coral

Question 18

What are the controls of COTS

Answer 18

• increase predators
• support healthy ecosystems
• stop agricultural runoff

Question 19

What are the 5 conservation methods for coral reefs

Answer 19

1. MPAs
2. control of fishing
3. control of tourism
4. sustainable exploitation
5. reef creation

Question 20

How do MPAs protect coral reefs

Answer 20

• manage overfishing
• support coral health
  -protect mangroves, seagrass meadows

Question 21

What is an example of MPAs

Answer 21

• the great barrier reef

Question 22

How does fishing controls help coral reefs

Answer 22

• maintains fish population
• restrict fishing times
• no-take zones

Question 23

What damage has been caused by tourism on the coral reef system

Answer 23

• pollution
• ships anchoring their boats
• divers physically pulling up the coral

Question 24

How are tourism activities being restricted to protect coral reefs

Answer 24

• reduce plastic use
• divers are limited to certain areas

Question 25

How can we continue to exploit resources associated with coral reefs sustainably

Answer 25

• fishing restrictions
• CITES - restrict taking of ‘endangered species’