Lab Activity 10.3
Corals and Coral Reefs

  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 how corals grow, multiply themselves, and spread the reef environment. You will also study how corals compete with one another for the limited space on the reef.

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 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 301 and 305 to 311
Marine Biology Coloring Book none
 

Reproduction
Questions Answers
1. What is difference between the development of corals with internal fertilization and those with external fertilization?  
2. Describe synchronous spawning?  
3. What is splitting and what does it accomplish?  
4. What is budding and what does it accomplish?  
5. What is the range of growth rates of coral colonies?  

 

Anatomy and Physiology
Questions Answers
1. Describe the skeleton of a reef building coral.  
2. What are the functions of mesenteries?  
3. Where does respiration take place?  

 

Coral Reefs
Questions Answers
1. How is a reef composed?  
2. What is a fringing reef?  
3. What is a barrier reef?  
4. What is an atoll?  

Lab Activity 10.4 Coral Reef Ecology