Explain what a coral reef is and how it is created.
Coral reefs are limestone ridges built by tiny coral animals called coral polyps. Coral polyps secrete skeletons of limestone which slowly accumulate and form coral reefs.
Discuss the locations where coral reefs are commonly found and why this environment is important to its growth and development.
Corals live only in clear and warm salt water where there is enough light for photosynthesis, so coral reefs are found in shallow, tropical seas.
List the different types of coral reefs and discuss what the different types of corals are.
Describe some of the types of plants and animals that live in coral reefs.
Thousands of species of plants and animals live in the cracks and crevices of coral reefs, which makes coral reefs among the most diverse ecosystems on Earth. Because of their convoluted shape, reefs provide habitats for a magnificent variety of tropical fish, and for snails, clams, and sponges.
Explain five ways that coral reefs benefit human beings.
Discuss three major threats to coral reefs.
An estimated 27 percent of the coral reefs in the world are in danger of destruction from human activities. If the water surrounding a reef is too hot or too cold or if fresh water drains into the water surrounding a reef, the corals may die. If the water is too muddy, polluted, or too high in nutrients, the algae that live within the corals will either die or grow out of control. If the algae grows out of control, it may kill the corals.
Oil spills, sewage, pesticides, and silt runoff have been linked to coral-reef destruction. Furthermore, over fishing can devastate fish populations and upset the balance of a reef’s ecosystem. Because coral reefs grow slowly, a reef may not be able to repair itself after chunks of coral are destroyed by careless divers, fisheries, shipwrecks, ships dropping anchor, or people breaking off pieces of it for decorative items or building materials.
Discuss the issue of protecting and restoring these unique and valuable ecosystems. What are governments doing to protect coral reefs? What an you do to protect coral reefs? List any possible alternatives to create new coral reefs.