tropical coral reefs (big habitats)

Question 1

what are biotic ecological features of tropical coral reefs?

Answer 1

coral nutrition :

• cillia
• nematocysts
• symbiotic algae
• reef building

Question 2

What is the function of cilia in coral nutrition?

Answer 2

Cilia trap planktonic items floating past the polyp which then get passed down to the stomach to be digested

Cilia are hair-like structures that aid in feeding.

Question 3

What are nematocysts?

Answer 3

Stinging cells that harpoon planktonic organisms floating past the polyp

Nematocysts are specialized cells used for capturing prey.

Question 4

What role do symbiotic algae play in coral nutrition?

Answer 4

Zooxanthellae are photosynthetic and provide the coral with food and energy. The waste products of the algae are the supplies for the polyp and vice versa

This mutualistic relationship is crucial for coral health.

Question 5

What is the purpose of reef building in corals?

Answer 5

Many species secrete limestone to form a base and protection, providing shelter and food for the fish

Reef building is essential for maintaining marine biodiversity.

Question 6

What do symbiotic algae require for optimal growth?

Answer 6

Bright sunlight

Symbiotic algae are crucial for coral health and photosynthesis.

Question 7

What is the ideal temperature range for coral polyps?

Answer 7

25-29oC

A constant temperature is necessary for the survival of coral polyps.

Question 8

Why must polyps be covered in water almost all the time?

Answer 8

To prevent them from drying out

However, they cannot survive in deep water due to lack of light.

Question 9

What effect does turbidity have on coral habitats?

Answer 9

Reduces light penetration

Turbid water can block cilia and the entrance of the stomach.

Question 10

What role do mangroves play in coral ecosystems?

Answer 10

They trap eroded soil

This helps maintain low turbidity in surrounding waters.

Question 11

How do coral polyps respond to changes in salinity?

Answer 11

They cannot regulate water concentration within their cells

Changes outside their narrow tolerance range can lead to cell death by osmosis.

Question 12

state 5 abiotic ecological features?

Answer 12

• light
• temperature
• immersion
• turbidity
• salinity

Question 13

What compound is derived from the sea hare and tested on coral reefs?

Answer 13

Chemicals in a sea hare

Sea hares are known for their unique chemical compounds that may have pharmaceutical applications

Question 14

What do enzymes used by corals help protect against?

Answer 14

Disease

Corals produce specific enzymes that bolster their immune response against pathogens.

Question 15

What type of marine animal is Bugula neritina?

Answer 15

A bryozoan colonial marine animal

Bryozoans are small aquatic invertebrates that form colonies and are significant in marine ecosystems.

Question 16

What is Trabectedin used to treat?

Answer 16

Soft tissue sarcoma

Trabectedin is a chemotherapy drug effective against specific types of cancer involving soft tissues.

Question 17

What is one medical use for coral?

Answer 17

Making bone grafts

Coral is utilized in regenerative medicine for patients with bone deterioration diseases.

Question 18

What do coral reefs support that is exploited for food?

Answer 18

Many species

Coral reefs are critical ecosystems providing habitat for a diverse range of marine life that is harvested for food.

Question 19

How do growing coral reefs contribute to climate control?

Answer 19

They act as a carbon sink due to needing a molecules of carbon dioxide for each carbonate molecule

This process helps mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide.

Question 20

What role do coral reefs play in the erosion process for tropical islands?

Answer 20

They absorb the energy of the waves and fragments form sand to build up shorelines

This protective function is essential for the stability and sustainability of coastal environments.

Question 21

What are coral reefs popular for in terms of tourism?

Answer 21

Ecotourism activities such as scuba diving and snorkelling, as well as simple relaxation in pleasant surroundings

Coastal areas with coral reefs attract millions of tourists, contributing to local economies.

Question 22

What can hard objects do to polyps?

Answer 22

Kill polyps

Hard objects can damage coral reefs through physical damage.

Question 23

What effect does sedimentation have on coral?

Answer 23

Covers and kills coral

Turbid water from rivers or disturbed sediments can harm coral reefs.

Question 24

What are the effects of pollution on coral?

Answer 24

Oil spills cover corals, oil is toxic to coral

Pollution can severely impact coral health and survival.

Question 25

What substances in runoff can stimulate algae growth affecting coral?

Answer 25

Nitrates and phosphates ## Footnote Increased algae growth can prevent coral from releasing eggs.

Question 26

What is ocean acidification?

Answer 26

A decrease in ocean pH due to increased CO2 levels ## Footnote This phenomenon negatively affects coral calcification.

Question 27

What causes coral bleaching?

Answer 27

Raised light levels, increased water temperature due to GCC, low O2 levels from overfishing, pollution ## Footnote Coral bleaching stresses corals and can lead to their death.

Question 28

Fill in the blank: _______ can cover and kill coral.

Answer 28

Sedimentation

Question 29

True or False: Oil spills have no impact on coral.

Answer 29

False

Question 30

What can low O2 levels in the ocean be attributed to?

Answer 30

Overfishing of zooplankton predators ## Footnote This can contribute to the conditions leading to coral bleaching.

Question 31

how is fishing a threat to coral reefs?

Answer 31

overfishing can reduce fish populations and affect other interdependant species

Question 32

how is coastal development a threat to coral reefs?

Answer 32

coastal town expansion, building of tourist resorts, ports & marinas

Question 33

how is loss of associated habitat a threat?

Answer 33

Mangroves trap suspended sediments and act as a nursery for many coral fish species so if mangroves are damaged so a coral reefs

Question 34

state 4 conservation methods

Answer 34

- marine protected areas - control of fishing - control of tourism - reef creation

Question 35

example of marine protected areas/nature reserves

Answer 35

- fishing can be controlled or banned - fixed mooring bouys can be installed so anchors arent used - protecting mangroves

Question 36

examples of how to manage fishing

Answer 36

- control length of fishing season - placing a max and min size limit - no take zones

Question 37

examples of how to control tourism

Answer 37

- turtle nesting sites may be protected to reduce disturbance - spear fishing may be banned