Coral Reef Ecosystem Concepts

Mrs. Gerhardt introduces the coral reef gizmo, explaining its objectives and activities. The video covers the importance of coral reefs, their fragility, and the threats they face. Students are guided through a warm-up activity, analyzing a graph showing the decline in coral cover. The gizmo exploration involves observing species stability and understanding environmental impacts. The video concludes with details on activities focusing on feeding relationships, ocean conditions, and human impact on reefs.

What should you do if you have trouble accessing your Explore Learning login?

• Try resetting your password on the website.

• Create a new account with a different email.

• Contact Mrs. Gerhardt or Mrs. Sweet via Canvas inbox.

• Wait for the next class to ask for help.

Which of the following is NOT an objective of the coral reef gizmo?

• Modeling the effects of increased ocean salinity.

• Modeling the effects of changing ocean conditions.

• Modeling the effects of land use on the reef.

• Describing feeding relationships in the Caribbean reef.

Why are coral reefs often compared to rainforests?

• They both have a high level of rainfall.

• They are both home to a large variety of species.

• They both are located near the equator.

• They both have dense tree coverage.

What was the main observation from the graph showing coral cover from 1977 to 2012?

• Coral cover remained stable.

• Coral cover increased significantly.

• Coral cover decreased significantly.

• Coral cover fluctuated without a clear trend.

What percentage of marine species are found in coral reefs?

• 10%

• 25%

• 75%

• 50%

What should you do after analyzing the graph in the warm-up activity?

• Skip to the next section without writing anything.

• Pause the video and write your answer.

• Discuss your observations with a classmate.

• Write down your observations and continue watching.

What is the significance of the term 'zooxanthellae' in coral reefs?

• It refers to a type of fish found in reefs.

• It is the algae living inside coral, forming a symbiotic relationship.

• It is a disease affecting coral reefs.

• It is a type of coral species.

What should you observe when advancing the gizmo to year ten times?

• The disappearance of all species.

• Significant changes in species composition.

• The appearance of new species.

• No significant changes in species composition.

What does a stable population in the gizmo indicate?

• The species are extinct.

• The species are at their expected levels.

• The species are declining rapidly.

• The species are thriving beyond normal levels.

What is the water clarity percentage in a healthy reef according to the gizmo?

• 50%

• 94%

• 75%

• 100%