The Mystery of the Coral Reef Decline (MS-LS2-2)

In a tropical coral reef ecosystem, scientists notice that the once-vibrant reef is losing its coral and fish populations. The decline seems linked to a drop in the number of cleaner shrimp, which feed on parasites from fish in the reef. Additionally, a predatory fish species, the lionfish, has been introduced into the ecosystem, preying on smaller fish and competing for space and resources. The scientists want to understand how these changes are disrupting the balance of the reef and predict what might happen if the cleaner shrimp population doesn't recover.

• GOT IT!

• I don't get it.

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What type of relationship exists between cleaner shrimp and reef fish?

Refer back to the passage if needed: In a tropical coral reef ecosystem, scientists notice that the once-vibrant reef is losing its coral and fish populations. The decline seems linked to a drop in the number of cleaner shrimp, which feed on parasites from fish in the reef. Additionally, a predatory fish species, the lionfish, has been introduced into the ecosystem, preying on smaller fish and competing for space and resources. The scientists want to understand how these changes are disrupting the balance of the reef and predict what might happen if the cleaner shrimp population doesn't recover.

• Competitive

• Mutually beneficial (mutualism)

• Predatory

• Parasitic

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NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

What role does the lionfish play in the coral reef ecosystem?

Refer back to the passage if needed: In a tropical coral reef ecosystem, scientists notice that the once-vibrant reef is losing its coral and fish populations. The decline seems linked to a drop in the number of cleaner shrimp, which feed on parasites from fish in the reef. Additionally, a predatory fish species, the lionfish, has been introduced into the ecosystem, preying on smaller fish and competing for space and resources. The scientists want to understand how these changes are disrupting the balance of the reef and predict what might happen if the cleaner shrimp population doesn't recover.

• Producer

• Mutualist

• Predator

• Parasite

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NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

How does the presence of lionfish affect other species in the reef?

Refer back to the passage if needed: In a tropical coral reef ecosystem, scientists notice that the once-vibrant reef is losing its coral and fish populations. The decline seems linked to a drop in the number of cleaner shrimp, which feed on parasites from fish in the reef. Additionally, a predatory fish species, the lionfish, has been introduced into the ecosystem, preying on smaller fish and competing for space and resources. The scientists want to understand how these changes are disrupting the balance of the reef and predict what might happen if the cleaner shrimp population doesn't recover.

• It provides more food for smaller fish.

• It decreases the populations of smaller fish through predation.

• It helps cleaner shrimp thrive by reducing competition.

• It increases coral growth by removing parasites.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

What might happen to the coral if the fish population continues to decline?

Refer back to the passage if needed: In a tropical coral reef ecosystem, scientists notice that the once-vibrant reef is losing its coral and fish populations. The decline seems linked to a drop in the number of cleaner shrimp, which feed on parasites from fish in the reef. Additionally, a predatory fish species, the lionfish, has been introduced into the ecosystem, preying on smaller fish and competing for space and resources. The scientists want to understand how these changes are disrupting the balance of the reef and predict what might happen if the cleaner shrimp population doesn't recover.

• Coral growth will increase due to fewer predators.

• Coral health will decline due to fewer fish cleaning algae and maintaining balance.

• Coral will be unaffected by fish populations.

• Coral will thrive because of the lionfish's presence.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

In a tropical coral reef ecosystem, scientists notice that the once-vibrant reef is losing its coral and fish populations. The decline seems linked to a drop in the number of cleaner shrimp, which feed on parasites from fish in the reef. Additionally, a predatory fish species, the lionfish, has been introduced into the ecosystem, preying on smaller fish and competing for space and resources. The scientists want to understand how these changes are disrupting the balance of the reef and predict what might happen if the cleaner shrimp population doesn't recover.

Which of the following best describes the lionfish's introduction to the reef?

• It disrupts the ecosystem by preying on native species.

• It benefits the reef by balancing fish populations.

• It has no impact on the reef ecosystem.

• It replaces the role of cleaner shrimp in the food web.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Why are cleaner shrimp considered a keystone species in this ecosystem?

Refer back to the passage if needed: In a tropical coral reef ecosystem, scientists notice that the once-vibrant reef is losing its coral and fish populations. The decline seems linked to a drop in the number of cleaner shrimp, which feed on parasites from fish in the reef. Additionally, a predatory fish species, the lionfish, has been introduced into the ecosystem, preying on smaller fish and competing for space and resources. The scientists want to understand how these changes are disrupting the balance of the reef and predict what might happen if the cleaner shrimp population doesn't recover.

• They are the most abundant species.

• They have a disproportionate impact on the health of the reef ecosystem.

• They are predators that control other populations.

• They produce food for other organisms.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

What type of interaction exists between lionfish and cleaner shrimp?

Refer back to the passage if needed: In a tropical coral reef ecosystem, scientists notice that the once-vibrant reef is losing its coral and fish populations. The decline seems linked to a drop in the number of cleaner shrimp, which feed on parasites from fish in the reef. Additionally, a predatory fish species, the lionfish, has been introduced into the ecosystem, preying on smaller fish and competing for space and resources. The scientists want to understand how these changes are disrupting the balance of the reef and predict what might happen if the cleaner shrimp population doesn't recover.

• Competitive

• Predatory

• Parasitic

• Mutually beneficial

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

How might abiotic factors, such as water temperature, influence the coral reef ecosystem?

Refer back to the passage if needed: In a tropical coral reef ecosystem, scientists notice that the once-vibrant reef is losing its coral and fish populations. The decline seems linked to a drop in the number of cleaner shrimp, which feed on parasites from fish in the reef. Additionally, a predatory fish species, the lionfish, has been introduced into the ecosystem, preying on smaller fish and competing for space and resources. The scientists want to understand how these changes are disrupting the balance of the reef and predict what might happen if the cleaner shrimp population doesn't recover.

• Warmer temperatures could reduce coral growth and stress the entire ecosystem.

• Abiotic factors have no effect on the coral reef.

• Cooler temperatures will increase the lionfish population.

• Water temperature only affects the algae in the ecosystem.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

What is one way to potentially restore balance to the reef ecosystem?

Refer back to the passage if needed: In a tropical coral reef ecosystem, scientists notice that the once-vibrant reef is losing its coral and fish populations. The decline seems linked to a drop in the number of cleaner shrimp, which feed on parasites from fish in the reef. Additionally, a predatory fish species, the lionfish, has been introduced into the ecosystem, preying on smaller fish and competing for space and resources. The scientists want to understand how these changes are disrupting the balance of the reef and predict what might happen if the cleaner shrimp population doesn't recover.

• Introduce more lionfish to control the fish population.

• Protect cleaner shrimp habitats and reduce lionfish numbers.

• Remove coral to make space for more fish.

• Reduce the number of all fish species in the reef.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

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