Coral Reef Monitoring

Front

What are zooxanthellae?

Back

Zooxanthellae are photosynthetic cells that live in the tissues of reef-building corals, providing them with energy through photosynthesis.

Front

What bioregion has the highest hard coral cover in the Philippines?

Back

The Sulu Sea has the highest hard coral cover in the Philippines.

Front

What is the HCC Category for coral reefs with >22-33% hard coral cover?

Back

HCC Category C.

Front

True or False: Zooxanthellae help corals remove waste.

Back

False. Zooxanthellae use energy from the sun to produce oxygen and do help corals in waste removal.

Front

What is the average taxonomic agglomeration units (TAU) of Tubbataha?

Back

18 TAU.

Front

What role do zooxanthellae play in coral reef ecosystems?

Back

They provide energy to corals through photosynthesis and contribute to the coral's growth and health.

Front

Define hard coral cover (HCC).

Back

Hard coral cover (HCC) refers to the percentage of the reef area that is covered by living hard corals.

Front

What factors can affect coral reef health?

Back

Factors include water temperature, pollution, overfishing, and ocean acidification.

Front

What is the significance of coral reefs in marine biodiversity?

Back

Coral reefs support a diverse range of marine species, providing habitat and food for many organisms.

Front

How does climate change impact coral reefs?

Back

Climate change leads to ocean warming and acidification, which can cause coral bleaching and reduce coral health.