Coral Reef Ecosystem Dynamics

Miss Connell guides students through a coral reef gizmo lab, focusing on the effects of invasive species and nutrient levels on coral reefs. The lab is divided into two activities: Activity A explores the impact of the red lionfish, an invasive species, while Activity B examines the effects of land use and nutrient levels. Students are encouraged to make predictions, observe changes, and analyze data. The video concludes with instructions for completing a CER (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning) task, emphasizing the importance of understanding ecosystem changes.

What is the primary purpose of the Coral Reef Gizmo Lab?

• To learn about the geological formation of coral reefs.

• To explore the effects of climate change on coral reefs.

• To study the biodiversity of coral reefs.

• To understand the impact of human activities on coral reefs.

What characteristic makes the red lionfish a threat to coral reefs?

• It has no natural predators.

• It is a scavenger.

• It is a herbivore.

• It is a slow swimmer.

During the simulation, what is the first step in Activity A?

• Restart the simulation.

• Click on the conditions tab.

• Select the summary tab.

• Select the red lionfish checkbox.

What is observed in the simulation after advancing 20 years in Activity A?

• Increase in coral cover.

• Decrease in water clarity.

• No change in the ecosystem.

• Increase in fish species.

In Activity B, what is the effect of adding raw sewage to the ocean?

• Increase in water clarity.

• Decrease in nutrient load.

• Increase in nutrient load.

• Decrease in sediment load.

What is the primary focus of Activity B in the Coral Reef Gizmo Lab?

• Exploring the geological history of coral reefs.

• Observing the behavior of marine mammals.

• Studying the effects of invasive species.

• Analyzing the impact of land use changes.

How does an increase in nutrients affect algae populations?

• Algae populations remain stable.

• Algae populations become extinct.

• Algae populations increase.

• Algae populations decrease.

Which two species are affected by changes in algae populations?

• Whales and seals.

• Turtles and jellyfish.

• Parrotfish and sea urchins.

• Sharks and dolphins.

What should be included in the CER (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning) for Activity B?

• A list of all marine species in the simulation.

• An explanation of the impact of increased nutrients.

• A summary of the effects of invasive species.

• A description of the geological history of coral reefs.

What is the final step in completing the Coral Reef Gizmo Lab?

• Submit the lab to the correct Dropbox.

• Increase the nutrient load further.

• Restart the simulation.

• Add more invasive species.