U.S. coral reef ecosystems cover less than one percent of the Earth's surface yet are among the most diverse and productive communities on Earth. We rely on reef ecosystems for food, shelter, tourism, and recreation. Despite the importance of reefs, these ecosystems are in trouble. Scientists are working to understand the extent of and reasons for the decline of coral reefs and to provide managers with more effective ways to protect them. A. Think of the distributions of stony coral and how it
U.S. coral reef ecosystems cover less than one percent of the Earth's surface yet are among the most diverse and productive communities on Earth. We rely on reef ecosystems for food, shelter, tourism, and recreation. Despite the importance of reefs, these ecosystems are in trouble. Scientists are working to understand the extent of and reasons for the decline of coral reefs and to provide managers with more effective ways to protect them.
A. Think of the distributions of stony coral and how it seems to be the most prominent. A scientist wants to figure out if this has to do with the stony coral growing on multiple substrates.
i. Identify a reasonable hypothesis that would help guide the scientist to their answer.
ii. Identify the dependent variable in your proposed hypothesis.
iii. Explain how the results of the experiment might be affected by other influences in the ecosystem.
B. Use the map to identify the following:
i. Identify the predominant locations where coral reefs are distributed.
ii. Using the legend, identify three main coral and/or sponge species in coral reefs of this region.
iii. Describe the characteristics of two marine biomes that likely interact and influence the distribution of coral reef locations.
C. Several factors contribute to the health of coral reefs ecosystems:
i. Describe the role of algae in marine biomes.
i. Explain the effects of ocean pH and temperature on coral reef systems.
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