Questions and Answers
Reef building corals are characterized by having only a polyp stage.
Reef building corals are classified as?
What is the name given to coral larvae?
Planula
Why are zooxanthelle essential to reef building corals?
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What is a primary requirement for coral reef development?
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Sources of food and other essential nutrients for corals include all of the following except?
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Besides reef building corals, what are the most important organisms that help form coral reefs?
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Which of the following is not directly used by corals for nutrition?
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Why do reef building corals grow only in shallow water?
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What is the expulsion of zooxanthelle due to unfavorable conditions called?
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Which of the following organisms is least likely to be responsible for bio erosion?
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What is eutrophication very detrimental to?
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What is the most common type of coral reefs?
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In a typical fringing reef, where is most of the living coral found?
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Where do fringing and barrier reefs develop?
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What is a major distinction between barrier and fringing reefs?
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What do spire and groove formations in coral reefs appear to result from?
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Where are most atolls found?
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Atolls actually start as what?
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What is the other primary producer in a coral reef besides zooxanthelle?
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Why is primary production very high in coral reefs?
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How do reef corals compete with soft corals for space?
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The recruitment of coral reef fishes seems to be the result of what?
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What do the sweeper tentacles of corals contain?
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Why are giant clams very large in size?
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What area of a fringing coral reef is likely to be affected by sedimentation?
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What area of a fringing coral reef is most likely to see more pronounced coral growth?
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What toxicity can develop when herbivores consume too many dinoflagellates?
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Why are coral reefs considered important and unique ecosystems?
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Which of the following is the latest stage in coral reef development?
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What do deep water mound building corals lack?
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Study Notes
Coral Reefs and Their Characteristics
- Reef building corals are cnidarians that exist only in the polyp stage.
- These corals are classified as hermatypic, meaning they contribute to reef formation.
- Coral larvae are referred to as planula, playing a crucial role in reef development.
Importance of Zooxanthellae and Substrates
- Zooxanthellae are vital for reef building corals, aiding in the deposition of calcium carbonate skeletons.
- A hard substrate is necessary for coral reef development, determining suitable growth locations.
Nutritional Sources and Growth Conditions
- Essential nutrients for corals include various sources but exclude calcium carbonate from shells.
- The presence of zooxanthellae limits reef building corals to shallow waters due to their light requirement for photosynthesis.
Coral Health and Environmental Threats
- Unfavorable conditions can lead to the expulsion of zooxanthellae, resulting in coral bleaching.
- Eutrophication poses a threat to coral development by increasing nutrient levels in water.
Types and Structures of Coral Reefs
- Fringing reefs are the most common type, with living coral primarily found on the reef slope.
- Fringing and barrier reefs grow along coastlines, with barrier reefs developing further away from land.
Atolls and Primary Production
- Atolls begin as fringing reefs and are predominantly located in the Indo-West Pacific region.
- High primary production in coral reefs is attributed to the recycling of nutrients within the reef ecosystem.
Competitive Dynamics in Coral Reefs
- Reef corals compete with soft corals for space, with soft corals possessing a competitive edge due to their toxic chemicals.
- The recruitment of coral reef fishes is largely determined by chance outcomes in competition.
Unique Features and Additional Species
- Sweeper tentacles of corals contain nematocysts, which are stinging cells used for defense and competition.
- Giant clams achieve large sizes due to the presence of zooxanthellae, enhancing their nutrient intake.
Areas of Coral Reefs and Their Challenges
- The reef flat area of fringing reefs is most affected by sedimentation, while the reef crest sees more active coral growth.
- Ciguatera toxin can accumulate in herbivorous fish due to excessive consumption of dinoflagellates.
Biodiversity and Development Stages
- Coral reefs are recognized for their rich biodiversity, housing the greatest amount of marine life compared to other ecosystems.
- The latest stage in coral reef development is identified as atoll formation, showcasing a mature reef system.
Deepwater Corals
- Deepwater mound-building corals differ from reef-building types as they lack zooxanthellae, adapting to darker environments.
Studying That Suits You
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Description
Test your knowledge on reef building corals with these flashcards from Chapter 14. Learn about their classifications, stages, and essential relationships with zooxanthelle. Perfect for students interested in marine life and coral ecosystems.
