Coral Reef Article Analysis

In the first article, what phenomenon has interested scientists?

• the algae are leaving the corals

• the corals are displaying bright neon colors

• the fish in coral reefs are returning

• the corals are bleaching at lower rates

Which of the following causes coral "bleaching"?

• cooler ocean temperatures

• pollutants in the water

• warmer ocean temperatures

• higher salt concentrations in the ocean

In the symbiotic relationship between coral and algae, what do algae receive from the relationship?

• sunlight and water

• benefits from photosynthesis

• oxygen and sunlight

• shelter and nutrients

What has caused the bright colors in the coral?

• The sun's light reflecting through its skeleton

• A new algae that has found shelter in the coral

• A photosynthetic bacteria that grows on the coral

• The ocean currents

The brightly colored corals seem to be attracting algae back.

• True

• False

The neon colors produced by coral only improve during

• extreme levels of stress.

• mild levels of stress.

• colder months of the year.

• tropical storms.

Coral reefs in the Persian Gulf have more diversity than other coral reefs worldwide.

• True

• False

Most coral reefs can withstand water temperatures up to _____ degrees Fahrenheit.

• 84

• 94

• 64

• 74

When ocean temperatures increase,

• more algae enters the coral bodies.

• the rate of photosynthesis increases.

• algae leaves the coral bodies.

• more fish migrate to the coral reefs.

Corals depend on algae for

• sunlight.

• water.

• shelter.

• food.