Lab Activity 10.4
Coral Reef Ecology

  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 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 ecological relationships between corals and other reef inhabitants. You will also consider the improtant issues that effect reef conservation.

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 302 to 305, 284, 311 to 320
Marine Biology Coloring Book none
 

Reef Ecosystem
Questions Answers
1. What role do sponges play in reef ecosystems?  
2. What role do bryozoans play in reef ecosystems?  
3. What role do crown of thorns starfish play in reef ecosystems?  
4. What role do parrotfish play in reef ecosystems?  
5. What role do cleaner wrasses play in reef ecosystems?  

 

Causes of Death
Questions Answers
1. Name three coral predators.  
2. How does fertilizer and sewage runoff damage coral reefs?  
3. How does deforestation damage coral reefs?  
4. Name four additional human impacts on coral reefs.  
5. What is coral bleaching?  
6. Name four other natural disasters that damage coral reefs.  

 

Conservation
Questions Answers
1. Why are coral reefs important to humans?  
2. What is the United states doing to protect coral reefs?  
3. What is CITES and how does it help protect coral reefs?