Coral Communities

Front

TRUE or FALSE: Sea Jellies show both sexual reproduction AND asexual reproduction.

Back

True

Front

Is the biodiversity on the reef front greater, the same or less than other areas of the reef?

Back

greater than

Front

What is the term for the phenomenon when coral polyps die or expel their algal cells, causing the colony to take on a stark white appearance?

Back

Bleaching

Front

What are the hard 'skeleton' structures in a sponge called?

Back

Spicules

Front

What causes coral bleaching?

Back

warmer water temperatures

Front

What is biodiversity?

Back

The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Front

What role do coral reefs play in marine ecosystems?

Back

They provide habitat, food, and protection for many marine species.

Front

What is the symbiotic relationship between coral and zooxanthellae?

Back

Coral provides a habitat for zooxanthellae, and in return, zooxanthellae provide energy through photosynthesis.

Front

What are the main threats to coral reefs?

Back

Pollution, climate change, overfishing, and habitat destruction.

Front

What is the significance of coral polyps in coral reef formation?

Back

Coral polyps secrete calcium carbonate, which forms the structure of the reef.