Coral Seas

15 Points Per Correct Answer - No time limit  

1. It is well-known that corals are marine animals where the large reef-forming organism is comprised of many small individual "unit" animals. What are these coral units called? polyps zygotes coralites shales

2. What is the primary food source for most corals? plankton microscopic algae other coral starfish

3. How do corals reproduce? Both sexual and asexual reproduction When old coral dies, it emits a seed that will form a new coral They only reproduce asexually Corals do not reproduce

4. Which of the following is NOT a dependency that marine animals may have on coral reefs? Use as a habitat Venue for reproductive activities Source of food All of these are dependencies that marine animals may have on coral reefs

5. Which of the following feed on the coral algae but are so violent that they can destroy up to 5 tons of coral per year? lionfish basket starfish parrot fish moray eels

6. A polyp's exoskeleton can grow up to nearly 1 foot in a year. True False

7. Periodically, algae can be ejected from the coral in a process known as coral bleaching. What is the primary reason for this ejection? The coral is getting ready to die This is part of a natural cycle that occurs every 6 months Stress on the polyps. The algae becomes too heavy for the coral to support

8. Which of the following is NOT a contributing factor in coral bleaching? Ocean temperature Increase acidity of the ocean Overfishing of an area Age of the coral

9. Crown of thorns starfish feeds on the coral polyps. Which of the following is a deterrent to this destruction of the coral? The calcyx completely protects the polyps The coral releases an enzyme which the crown of thorns dislikes Small crabs living in the coral will fight the starfish The polyps sting the starfish

10. What happens if one coral comes into contact with another during growth? They will merge to form a new larger coral It will trigger an immediate reproductive process As one approaches, both corals emit enzymes to cause the other to withdraw to a safe distance The two corals will battle violently over the encroachment