Coral Reef Ecology

Question 1

What is the primary relationship between coral polyps and zooxanthellae algae?

Accepted Answer

Mutualistic symbiosis where algae provide food through photosynthesis

Answer

Parasitic relationship where algae steal nutrients from coral

Answer

Competitive relationship where they fight for calcium carbonate

Answer

Romantic partnership where they exchange Valentine's Day cards

Question 2

Which factor is the leading cause of coral bleaching events worldwide?

Accepted Answer

Rising ocean temperatures due to climate change

Answer

Overfishing of herbivorous fish species

Answer

Underwater construction and coastal development

Answer

Aggressive cleaning by overly enthusiastic parrotfish

Question 3

Why are parrotfish considered keystone species in coral reef ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

They prevent algal overgrowth by grazing and produce sand through digestion

Answer

They build protective barriers around vulnerable coral colonies

Answer

They serve as the reef's primary predators of invasive species

Answer

They operate tiny underwater restaurants that feed the whole reef

Question 4

What percentage of marine species are estimated to depend on coral reefs for part of their life cycle?

Accepted Answer

About 25%

Answer

About 10%

Answer

About 50%

Answer

About 75%

Question 5

Which structure do coral polyps secrete to build the reef framework?

Accepted Answer

Calcium carbonate skeleton

Answer

Silica shell casing

Answer

Chitin exoskeleton

Answer

Keratin protective layer

Question 6

What is the term for the daily vertical migration pattern observed in many reef fish species?

Accepted Answer

Diel vertical migration

Answer

Tidal displacement cycle

Answer

Lunar swimming pattern

Answer

Seasonal depth shuffle

Question 7

Which type of coral reef formation encircles a lagoon but is separated from the mainland?

Accepted Answer

Atoll

Answer

Barrier reef

Answer

Fringing reef

Answer

Patch reef

Question 8

What role do cleaner wrasses play in coral reef ecosystems?

Accepted Answer

Remove parasites from other fish

Answer

Filter plankton from water

Answer

Pollinate coral polyps

Answer

Break down dead coral

Question 9

Which environmental factor most directly affects the calcification rate of reef-building corals?

Accepted Answer

Ocean pH levels

Answer

Tidal strength

Answer

Magnetic fields

Answer

Moon phases

Question 10

What is the primary function of mucus production in hard corals?

Accepted Answer

Protection and sediment removal

Answer

Attracting prey fish

Answer

Chemical communication

Answer

Storing excess nutrients