LO3 - Coral Reefs

Question 1

What is a coral reef?

Answer 1

1.Coral reefs are large underwater structures build over time by a colony of marine invertebrates called coral.

2. Some coral species build reefs.
3. They extract calcium carbonate from
   seawater to create a hard exoskeleton
   (shell) that protects their soft bodies.
4. Each individual coral is referred to as a polyp. Each coral polyp over time add its own exoskeleton to the existing coral structure.
5. Over the centuries, the growth of reefs has created massive coral reef structures.

Question 2

What are the characteristics of Coral Reefs?

Answer 2

1. Built from layers of calcium carbonate.
2. Coral reefs are found in warm, shallow waters where sun light reaches.
3. Coral reefs are the most bio-diverse in the marine ecosystems.

Question 3

What SERVICES do coral reefs provide?

Answer 3

Ecological services:

1. Provides a habitat for a wide variety of marine organisms.
2. Coastline protection services: Reefs protect coasts from shoreline erosion, against storms and adverse sea conditions.

Benefits to human:

1. Provides humans with seafood, pharmaceuticals, and recreational/tourism economy.

Climate change:

1. Works against global warming through process of photosynthesis, absorption of calcium carbonates, absorption of CO2 and production of oxygen.

Question 4

What are the risks to Coral Reefs?

Answer 4

In many areas of the world, coral reef are in decline. Reasons for damage to coral reefs are:

1. High salinity from fresh water diversion.
2. Over-fishing, fishing methods used (use of dynamite or cyanide).
3. Boat groundings.
4. Hurricane damage.
5. Disease.
6. Sea water acidification (leads to coral bleaching).
7. Land reclamation and or dredging.
8. Tourism.

9.Mining of coral for building materials.