IBESS 2.4 AquaticEcosystems

Coral secrete _______________ that creates the structure of the coral reef.

• Sediments

• Zooxanthellae

• Calcium carbonate

• Sodium bicarbonate

Corals who have zooxanthellae (choose all that apply)

• have color

• can build reefs

• need shallow, nutrient-poor water

• have a wide range of tolerance

Coral bleaching is (choose all that apply)

• When the zooxanthellae leave the coral polyp

• How marine scientists clean up the coral

• A disease that attacks the coral

• An overgrowth of algae

Algae use photosynthesis to make food but it also contributes to the corals

• Vibrant color

• Hardness

• Attracting fish

• Being poisonous

What can cause the symbiotic zooxanthellae-coral relationship to break down? (choose all that apply)

• Decreased runoff from surrounding land

• Nutrient-poor water

• Rising Temperatures

• Ozone layer destruction

• Decreasing pH levels

How do zooxanthellae help corals?

• Providing sugars to corals

• Providing pretty colors

• Providing oxygen to corals

• Providing protection to corals

What is ocean acidification?

• A reduction in the pH of the ocean

• An increase in the pH of the ocean

• When salinity increases

• When salinity decreases

Ocean acidification can

• Make it hard for corals to grow skeletons

• Make it harder for scientists to see coral growth

• Make coral have a really strong skeleton

• Make algae grow in excess

What can you do to help coral reefs?

• Wear sunscreens that don't contain oxybenzone

• Don't touch corals

• Support sustainable fishing practices globally

• All of these

Which of the following is not a source of food and other essential nutrients for corals

• Nutrients released by zooxanthellae

• Calcium carbonate from shells

• Dissolved organic matter (DOM) from the water

• Capture of food using nematocysts (stinging cells)