Coral Ecosystems and Environmental Impact

The video tutorial, led by the senior education coordinator at the Central Peregrine Institute, explores a coral bleaching experiment. It begins with mixing thermochromatic pigment and latex paint to simulate coral bleaching. The tutorial explains the mutualistic relationship between algae and corals, highlighting how environmental stressors like increased sea temperatures lead to coral bleaching. A demonstration shows how corals lose color and food sources when exposed to warm water, and how they can recover if conditions improve. The video emphasizes the impact of greenhouse gases on ocean temperatures and the importance of addressing climate change.

What is the recommended ratio of pigment to paint when preparing the mixture?

• 1 part pigment to 20 parts paint

• 1 part pigment to 5 parts paint

• 1 part pigment to 15 parts paint

• 1 part pigment to 10 parts paint

What type of relationship exists between corals and the algae living within them?

• Competitive

• Parasitic

• Commensalistic

• Mutualistic

What is the main source of food for corals?

• Small fish

• Carbohydrates from algae

• Minerals from water

• Plankton

What happens to corals when they lose their algae?

• They turn blue

• They become more colorful

• They turn white

• They grow faster

Which environmental condition is a primary cause of coral bleaching?

• Decreased oxygen

• Increased temperature

• Decreased light

• Increased salinity

What human activity contributes to the increase of greenhouse gases?

• Planting trees

• Burning fossil fuels

• Recycling

• Using solar panels

What percentage of excess heat is absorbed by the oceans?

• 50%

• 100%

• 95%

• 70%

What temperature is required to simulate ocean warming in the experiment?

• Exactly 25°C

• Above 31°C

• Below 20°C

• Above 15°C

What happens to corals when they are returned to cooler water after bleaching?

• They remain white

• They regain their color and food source

• They dissolve

• They become brittle

What is the outcome if corals remain in warm water for too long?

• They thrive

• They become more colorful

• They die

• They grow larger