Structure of Coral Reefs

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What are some threats faced by coral reefs mentioned in the text?

Higher levels of freshwater in the ocean

Decreased sedimentation

Increased levels of oxygen in seawater

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation and pollution (correct)

How do tourists sometimes negatively impact coral reefs?

By planting more corals

By participating in reef cleanup activities

By respecting marine life and habitat

By touching corals and disturbing other animals (correct)

What is a consequence of overharvesting fish in coral reefs?

Growth of fish population

Decrease in sedimentation levels

Break up of reef sections and destruction of corals (correct)

Increase in coral population

How do fishers sometimes catch reef animals, causing harm to the reefs?

Using dragnets and explosives Signup and view all the answers

What efforts are mentioned in the text to protect coral reefs?

Government programs and conservation groups working together Signup and view all the answers

What binds and cements shelly and calcareous organisms together on coral reefs?

Algae and protozoans Signup and view all the answers

What type of coral reef is formed when the reef is separated from the land by a shallow lagoon?

Barrier reef Signup and view all the answers

Which feature distinguishes a fringing reef from other types of coral reefs?

Directly attached to the land Signup and view all the answers

In what ocean can the largest island of coral formation, Kiritimati Atoll, be found?

Pacific Ocean Signup and view all the answers

What type of marine plants help trap and stabilize sediment on coral reefs?

Sea grasses and mangroves Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic do all types of coral islands share?

Low land above sea level Signup and view all the answers

What are corals?

Small marine animals Signup and view all the answers

How do corals build the main structural framework of a growing reef?

By secreting calcium carbonate to form their skeletons Signup and view all the answers

Why are coral reefs compared to rainforests?

Because they provide habitats for diverse species Signup and view all the answers

What role do coral reefs play in the economy of a region?

They provide food for millions of people Signup and view all the answers

Why are coral reefs important for marine organisms?

To create underwater habitats Signup and view all the answers

What do certain species of fish use coral reefs for?

As a refuge from predators Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of coral reefs mentioned in the text?

Acting as barriers against storm and wave erosion Signup and view all the answers

Where are the largest coral reefs primarily found?

Pacific and Indian Oceans Signup and view all the answers

Why do reef-building corals need to live in relatively shallow ocean waters?

To allow light penetration for photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of zooxanthellae in coral reefs?

Converting carbon dioxide into oxygen through photosynthesis Signup and view all the answers

At what depth do reef-building corals grow best?

66 feet (20 meters) Signup and view all the answers

Why do certain corals in colder climates not form reefs?

Because they are solitary forms that do not require reefs Signup and view all the answers

What is the distinguishing feature of fringing reefs compared to barrier reefs and atolls?

They extend up to the beach at some points Signup and view all the answers

Which organism is known to decimate coral reefs by feeding on their soft tissues?

Crown-of-thorns starfish Signup and view all the answers

What environmental event can cause corals to eject the zooxanthellae algae and turn white?

Global warming Signup and view all the answers

What is the major issue associated with coral-rock borers mentioned in the text?

They cause extensive damage by penetrating the rock Signup and view all the answers

Which type of reef has no visible relationship to any land?

Atoll Signup and view all the answers

What is one possible consequence if the zooxanthellae algae do not return to the corals after bleaching?

The corals will die Signup and view all the answers