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Coral Reefs: A Challenge for Your Marine Biology Expertise

Description: Coral reefs are one of the most diverse and productive ecosystems on Earth. They provide habitat for a wide variety of marine life, including fish, invertebrates, and algae. Coral reefs are also important for coastal protection, as they help to reduce erosion and storm damage. However, coral reefs are facing a number of threats, including climate change, pollution, and overfishing. This quiz will test your knowledge of coral reefs and the challenges they face.
Number of Questions: 5
Created by:
Tags: coral reefs marine biology environment climate change pollution overfishing
Attempted 0/5 Correct 0 Score 0

What is the largest coral reef in the world?

  1. Great Barrier Reef

  2. Mesoamerican Barrier Reef

  3. Red Sea Coral Reef

  4. Coral Triangle


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Great Barrier Reef is located off the coast of Australia and is over 2,300 kilometers long. It is home to over 1,500 species of fish, 400 species of coral, and 133 species of sharks and rays.

What is the primary cause of coral bleaching?

  1. Climate change

  2. Pollution

  3. Overfishing

  4. Disease


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Coral bleaching is caused by a rise in water temperature. When the water temperature gets too high, the coral expels the symbiotic algae that live in its tissues. This causes the coral to turn white and become more susceptible to disease and death.

What is the main source of pollution that is harming coral reefs?

  1. Sewage

  2. Fertilizers

  3. Oil spills

  4. Plastic pollution


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Sewage contains high levels of nutrients, which can cause algal blooms. Algal blooms can block sunlight from reaching the coral, which can lead to coral bleaching and death.

What is the main threat to coral reefs from overfishing?

  1. The removal of herbivorous fish

  2. The removal of predatory fish

  3. The removal of reef-building fish

  4. The removal of all types of fish


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Herbivorous fish eat algae, which helps to keep the coral reef clean and healthy. When herbivorous fish are removed from the reef, the algae can overgrow and smother the coral.

What is the most effective way to protect coral reefs?

  1. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions

  2. Reduce pollution

  3. Reduce overfishing

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

All of the above actions are necessary to protect coral reefs. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions will help to slow the rate of climate change and reduce coral bleaching. Reducing pollution will help to improve water quality and reduce the risk of disease. Reducing overfishing will help to maintain a healthy balance of fish populations on the reef.

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