Question

1. what are coral reefs often called due to their biodiversity?
2. what type of organism is a coral polyp?
3. name one of the main types of coral reefs mentioned in the text.
4. what do zooxanthellae provide to coral polyps?
5. what happens to corals during a bleaching event?
6. how do coral reefs help protect coastlines?
7. what is the main material that forms the structure of coral reefs?
8. why are coral reefs important for marine life?
9. what is one major threat to coral reefs mentioned in the reading?
10. in which ocean can you find the coral reefs of the maldives?

Explanation:

1. Coral reefs are often called the "rainforests of the sea" due to their high biodiversity.
2. A coral polyp is a type of cnidarian.
3. One main type of coral reef is the fringing reef.
4. Zooxanthellae provide oxygen and food (organic compounds) to coral polyps through photosynthesis.
5. During a bleaching event, corals expel the zooxanthellae living in their tissues, causing them to turn white.
6. Coral reefs help protect coastlines by absorbing wave energy and reducing erosion.
7. The main material that forms the structure of coral reefs is calcium carbonate, secreted by coral polyps.
8. Coral reefs are important for marine life as they provide habitats, breeding grounds, and food sources.
9. One major threat to coral reefs is ocean acidification, caused by increased carbon - dioxide absorption by the ocean, or climate change which leads to rising sea temperatures.
10. The coral reefs of the Maldives are found in the Indian Ocean.

Answer:

1. The "rainforests of the sea"
2. Cnidarian
3. Fringing reef
4. Oxygen and food (organic compounds)
5. They expel zooxanthellae and turn white
6. By absorbing wave energy and reducing erosion
7. Calcium carbonate
8. Provide habitats, breeding grounds, and food sources
9. Ocean acidification/Climate change
10. Indian Ocean