Tropical coral reef

Question 1

How does cilia on coral work?

Answer 1

Theyre on coral polyps which trap floating planktonic organisms, they are passed to the stomach and digested

Question 2

How do nematocysts work?

Answer 2

Theyre stinging cells that sting floating planktonic organisms, they are passed to the stomach by cilia and digested

Question 3

How do symbiotic algae work?

Answer 3

Zooxanthellae are photosynthetic algae that live in the coral polyps, they photosynthesis providing oxygen and glucose for polyps.
The polyps provide a habitat for the algae and CO2 which is absorbed by algae for growth.

Question 4

Why is coral vulnerable to environmental change?

Answer 4

Because they only exist in regions with specific abiotic conditions.

Question 5

What are the conditions for tropical coral reefs?

Answer 5

Light, for photosynthetic algae
Temp, warm and constant
Immersion, constantly covered to prevent drying out small tidal range
Turbidity, low turbidity to prevent solids covering algae and preventing photosynthesis.
Salinity, has to be just right as they have a small range of tolerance

Question 6

Why are tropical coral reefs important?

Answer 6

Fisheries, that provide habitats for food.
Medical discovery, AZT to treat HIV/AIDS from sea sponge.
Climate control, act as carbon sinks
Erosion protection, absorb energy of waves that would erode small islands
Tourism

Question 7

What are the threats to tropical coral reefs?

Answer 7

Physical damage from plastics, fishing nets, boats
Collection for ornaments/souvenirs
Sedimentation
Pollution, oil spills
Coral bleaching from increased temps
Introduced species
Fishing
Coastal development
Loss of habitats

Question 8

What are the conservation efforts to protect tropical coral reefs?

Answer 8

Marine protected areas where fishing is controlled, there is environmental protection etc
Control of tourism
Reef creation from sinking structures