Fragile Environments Flashcards
What is a fragile environment?
A fragile environment is vulnerable to change and may struggle to recover from any changes
What is a coral reef?
A coral reef is a diverse underwater ecosystem made up of coral polyps that build calcium carbonate structures.
True or False: Coral reefs are only found in cold water.
False
Fill in the blank: Coral reefs are often referred to as the ‘__________ of the sea’ due to their biodiversity.
rainforests
What role do coral reefs play in marine ecosystems?
Coral reefs provide habitat, food, and shelter for a wide variety of marine organisms.
Which of the following is a major threat to coral reefs? A) Overfishing B) Desertification C) Urbanization
A) Overfishing
What is coral bleaching?
Coral bleaching is the loss of color in corals due to the expulsion of symbiotic algae, often caused by stress from factors like temperature changes.
Short Answer: Name two human activities that negatively impact coral reefs.
Pollution and fishing, tourism
True or False: Coral reefs can recover from damage if given enough time and proper conditions.
True
What percentage of marine species are estimated to depend on coral reefs?
Approximately 25%.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is not a type of coral? A) Hard coral B) Soft coral C) Liquid coral
C) Liquid coral
What three factors affect coral reef distribution?
Light, Depth, Temperature
How do coral reefs help humans?
Commercial and medical products, protect land, tourism
Where can I fragile environment be, EG Coral reefs
Arid, semi arid environments
Tropical rain-forests
Cold environments
What issues do arid environments face?
Lack of precipitation,
Shallow and infertile soils
What issues do tropical rain-forests face?
Deforestation and wildfires
What issues do coral reefs face?
Pollution, tourism
What is the definition of desertification?
When land becomes drier and degraded because of climate change or human development
