Coral Reefs and Climate Change

The video explains coral bleaching, starting with an introduction to coral and their role in ocean ecosystems. It describes the mutualistic relationship between coral and algae, which gives coral their color. The video then discusses coral bleaching, where stressed coral expel algae, leading to increased susceptibility to disease. Human activities like pollution and climate change are major contributors to coral bleaching. The video concludes with conservation strategies to reduce coral bleaching and protect reefs.

What are corals primarily composed of?

• Magnesium sulfate

• Sodium chloride

• Calcium carbonate

• Silicon dioxide

What role do zooxanthellae algae play in the life of corals?

• They help corals move.

• They give corals their color and provide food through photosynthesis.

• They offer protection from predators.

• They provide structural support.

What happens to corals during the bleaching process?

• They grow faster.

• They expel zooxanthellae algae and lose their color.

• They become more colorful.

• They start to reproduce more.

Which of the following is a major human cause of coral bleaching?

• Mining

• Water pollution

• Deforestation

• Overfishing

How does climate change contribute to coral bleaching?

• By increasing ocean acidity

• By reducing ocean currents

• By increasing ocean temperatures

• By decreasing ocean salinity

What is one ecological impact of coral bleaching?

• Improved water quality

• Increased fish populations

• Enhanced coral growth

• Disruption of ocean food chains

How do coral reefs help protect shorelines?

• By reducing water temperature

• By attracting predators

• By acting as natural breakwaters

• By increasing wave energy

What is a suggested way to reduce the effects of coral bleaching?

• Increase fossil fuel usage

• Build more coastal resorts

• Reduce carbon footprint

• Increase fishing activities

Why is it important to protect coral reefs in the context of climate change?

• They increase global temperatures.

• They reduce ocean salinity.

• They absorb carbon dioxide.

• They decrease biodiversity.

What is one economic impact of coral bleaching?

• Decreased pollution

• Increased fishing yields

• Decreased property values

• Increased tourism