Coral Reefs

Coral Reefs provide essential habitats for about 25% of all ocean species! These ecosystems, sometimes called the “rainforests of the sea,” are full of life. Coral reefs are susceptible to water temperature and pollution changes, so we must protect them. What can you do to protect our coral reefs? Earth’s underwater cities, however, are under attack. Water pollution, overfishing, human development and rising sea temperatures from climate change are changing the life of these important plants and animals. As the levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) rise in the atmosphere, CO2 levels rise in our oceans. Higher CO2 decreases the PH level, causing our oceans to become more acidic. Search the Internet for groups focused on protecting coral reefs. Pick a group that you can join and volunteer. Apply what you learned in the previous activities to volunteer with a group and promote awareness of coral reef protection by writing a short paper.

Coral Polyps are underwater architects. These underwater architects belong to the phylum or group that is radially symmetrical, meaning they are the same all the way around. Polyps have a central sac with a hole in one end surrounded by stinging tentacles. Coral reefs are rich underwater habitats full of many different species. They are home to as many living things as the world’s rainforests. Coral reefs have a symbiotic relationship with the species inhabiting them; both need each other to survive. Using clay and other hard and soft sculpting materials, build a 3-dimensional coral reef with at least ten species of fish, crustaceans, plants, and animals.

There are three types of coral reefs, Barrier reefs, fringing reefs, and atools. Barrier reefs are away from the shore. Fringing reefs are in shallow shoreline waters. Reefs that encircle a lagoon are called atolls. Sea animals (Cnidaria) such as hydras, jellyfish, and sea anemones inhabit the limestone exoskeletons built by the underwater architect Polyps. Coral reefs provide food and medicine, protect coasts from waves and storms, help prevent sea level rise, and generate tourism. They are protectors of our shorelines. Underwater reefs, however, are declining due to water pollution, overfishing, human development, and rising sea temperatures from climate change.

Earth’s underwater cities, however, are under attack. Water pollution, overfishing, human development, and rising sea temperatures from climate change are changing the lives of these important plants and animals. As carbon dioxide (CO2) levels rise in the atmosphere, so do the CO2 levels in our oceans. Higher CO2 decreases the pH level, and our oceans become more acidic. Search the Internet for groups focused on protecting coral reefs. Pick a group that you can join and volunteer. Apply what you learned in the previous activities to volunteer with a group and promote awareness of coral reef protection.

Coral Polyps are underwater architects. These underwater architects belong to the phylum or group that are radially symmetric which means that they are the same all the way around from a central point. Polyps have a central sac with a hole in one end surrounded by stinging tentacles. Jellyfish are cnidaria. Research the world’s major coral reefs. Print a world map and locate and label the reef locations. For each reef you labeled on your world map, find out what plants, animals, and sea life inhabit each reef. Make watercolor drawings of three different reefs showing the color, beauty, and diversity of life in underwater cities. Be sure to include both plants and animals.

• Corals are
  • sea shells
  • underwater plants
  • living animals
  • underwater insects
• Underwater architects of coral reefs are
  • coral snails
  • coral polyps
  • coral anenomes
  • jellyfish
• Coral reefs are home to ___% of marine life.
  • 100%
  • 75%
  • 50%
  • 25%
• Coral reefs located offshore are known as
  • Fringe reefs
  • Islands
  • Atolls
  • Barrier Reefs
• CO2 levels in the ocean _______________PH levels.
  • increase
  • decrease