Ecology of Pennekamp, Paynes, Anastasia, Myakka and Bahia

What makes John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park especially important?

• It is the largest national park in Florida

• It was the first underwater park in the United States

• It is the only park with volcanoes in the U.S.

• It is entirely made up of freshwater lakes

The coral reefs in John Pennekamp are part of which major reef system?

• Great Barrier Reef

• Caribbean Reef Tract

• Florida Reef Tract

• Gulf Coast Reef Belt

What are coral reefs often compared to because of their biodiversity?

• Deserts

• Rainforests of the sea

• Icebergs

• Mountains of life

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Which of the following marine animals is an endangered species found in the park?

• Lionfish

• Green sea turtle

• Octopus

• Blue tang

What are seagrass beds important for?

• Making sand dunes

• Providing fire protection

• Stabilizing the seafloor and supporting marine life

• Attracting tourists for swimming

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How do mangroves help protect the coastline?

• They provide shade for swimmers

• They grow quickly to block waves

• Their roots trap sediment and prevent erosion

• Their flowers clean the air

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Which is NOT a major threat to the park’s ecosystems?

• Climate change

• Pollution

• Overfishing

• Snowstorms

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What is one way the park is helping to restore damaged coral reefs?

• Building artificial reefs from plastic

• Releasing more fish into the area

• Transplanting healthy coral fragments

• Feeding corals special vitamins

How does the park educate the public about marine conservation?

• Through reality TV shows

• With educational programs, tours, and exhibits

• By offering scuba diving certification

• By closing the park to all visitors

What makes Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park unique compared to many other parks in Florida?

• It is a desert surrounded by mountains

• It is a large freshwater marsh surrounded by uplands

• It is made entirely of forest

• It has saltwater beaches