Lab Activity 10.1
Corals

  Directions

Study the instructional material below. Be sure to click on each of the photographs for an enlarged view in a separate window. The larger version is necessary to complete the assignment. It opens in a separate window which can be resized by grabbing the bottom right corner and dragging it. It can also be moved by grabbing the top heading bar and dragging it. Be sure to close the extra window by using the X in IBM, or the close box in MAC when you are finished using them.

  Introduction


Now we will examine the biology of coral reefs. Coral reefs are ecologically complex. The organisms that live in them interact with each other in a variety of ways creating a rich web of life. Each reef species has unique characteristics that allow it to specialize on particular reef resources in ways that other species cannot. In this lab activity you will study the basic characteristics of reefs, thier structure, and how they have come to be.

Top  Instruction

Answer the following questions about corals and coral reefs by visiting the Sea World/Busch Gardens Corals and Coral Reefs Web Site and searching for the answers. Prepare an answer for each of the questions listed below. You can print out the charts and fill them in or create similar charts in your notebook.

Be sure to write about what you are learning in the lab section of your notebook. You will be expected to answer questions about the lab activity during the lab self test and lab quiz. It helps to have your text and coloring books open beside you for support.

 
Supporting Information
Refer to the Assigned Readings Below:
Marine Biology Textbook Chapter 14, pages 297 to 299
Marine Biology Coloring Book Plates 12 and 13
 

Scientific Classification
Questions Answers
1. Which order of Zoantharia contains reef building corals?  
2. How long ago did hard corals developed into prominent reef builders?  

 

Habitat and Distribution
Questions Answers
1. Where are reef building corals found?  
2. What is the depth limit of reef building corals?  
3. What conditions are required for corals to grow?  
4. What conditions favor reef development?  
5. What conditions favor the precipitation of the calcium necessary to form a coral's skeleton?  

 

Physical Characteristics
Questions Answers
1. What is the shape and size of a coral polyp?  
2. What color are corals?  
3. What is a nematocyst and how do they work?  

Lab Activity 10.2 Coral Biology