Marine Ecosystems (AQA A Level Geography)
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Label the missing parts.
Cross section of typical coral polyp. Name the three types of coral reefs.
The three types of coral reefs are:
Fringing.
Barrier.
Atoll.
What are warm-water coral reefs?
Warm-water coral reefs are coral reefs found within warm tropical waters, typically between 30° north and south of the equator, where water remains above 16°C.
True or False?
Coral reefs are only found in warm tropical waters.
False.
Coral reefs can be found in both warm tropical waters and cold, deep waters.
What is a cold-water coral reef?
A cold-water coral reef is found in deep, nutrient-rich, strong-current sea waters. They can develop in waters as cold as 4 °C and at depths of 40–2 000 m.
What are the four main controlling factors in coral reef distribution?
The four main controlling factors for coral reef distribution are temperature, light, water depth, and salinity.
Define coral polyps.
Coral polyps are tiny animals related to anemones and jellyfish that can live individually or in large colonies that make up coral reefs.
What is the symbiotic relationship in coral reefs?
The symbiotic relationship in coral reefs is between coral polyps and tiny algae called zooxanthellae. The polyps provide shelter for the algae, while the algae provide essential nutrients to the corals.
What is coral bleaching?
Coral bleaching is a process where coral polyps expel their symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) in response to stress, often due to rising water temperatures.
What is the role of zooxanthellae in coral reefs?
Zooxanthellae are tiny algae that live in coral tissue, providing essential nutrients to the corals through photosynthesis and playing a crucial role in the coral reef ecosystem's nutrient cycling.
What substance do coral polyps secrete?
Coral polyps secrete calcium carbonate. It is a hard, protective skeleton that, over time, builds up to form the structure of coral reefs.
True or False?
Coral reefs are natural barriers against storm and wave surges.
True.
Coral reefs form a natural barrier against storms and wave surges.
What is the most significant anthropogenic threat to coral reefs?
The most significant anthropogenic threat to coral reefs is pollution.
What is blast fishing.
Blast fishing is a destructive fishing practice that uses explosives to stun or kill fish, destroying approximately 5.9 m² of reef with a single blast.
True or False?
Desalination plants have no impact on coral reefs.
False.
Desalination plants discharge brine and chemical waste into the sea, changing salinity levels and water chemistry, which can damage sensitive coral reef ecosystems.
Define ocean acidification.
Ocean acidification is the process of increasing acidity in the ocean due to elevated levels of CO₂, which changes the pH levels of coral waters and restricts growth rates and the structural integrity of coral reefs.
What natural event can cause catastrophic freshwater flooding in coral reef areas?
Subglacial volcanic eruptions can produce large volumes of melt water, resulting in catastrophic freshwater flooding that affects coral reefs.
True or False?
The crown-of-thorns starfish has been beneficial for the Great Barrier Reef.
False.
The crown-of-thorns starfish is a significant problem for the Great Barrier Reef, having destroyed almost a quarter of the reef in the 1980s.
What is the impact of climate change on storm patterns affecting coral reefs?
Climate change is causing storms to become stronger and more frequent, which can damage coral reefs through increased wave action and freshwater influx.
Define sedimentation in the context of coral reef threats.
Sedimentation is the process of sediment settling on coral reefs, which can smother coral polyps, block their feeding tubes, and reduce available light for photosynthesis
What is the projected frequency of coral bleaching events by the 2030s?
By the 2030s, most coral reefs are projected to experience coral bleaching at least twice per decade.
True or False?
Local conservation efforts alone can fully protect coral reefs from global climate change impacts.
False.
While local conservation efforts are effective for some threats, they do not fully address global issues like climate change and sea level rise.