Deep Ocean and Surface Coral Reefs | AQA A-Level Environmental Science Revision | Primrose Kitten

Coral reefs

Areas where multiple coral species have colonised

Shallow coral reefs

Coral reefs found in equatorial regions along the coastline.

Deep water coral reefs

Coral reefs found on seabeds across the globe, in dark and cold waters.

Phylum Cnidaria

Classification group that includes corals, characterised by stinging cells and soft bodies.

Classification

Grouping organisms based on evolutionary relationships.

Hierarchy

System of classification from largest category to smallest: Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species.

Genus

Taxonomic rank above species, first part of an organism's Latin name.

Species

Taxonomic rank below genus, second part of an organism's Latin name.

Nematocysts

Stinging cells found in cnidarians, used by corals to kill plankton.

Cilia

Tiny hair-like extensions that help corals manipulate water flow and obtain nutrients from the water

Zooxanthellae

Algae living inside coral cells, providing sugars through photosynthesis.

Abiotic factors

non-living factors

Photic zone

Depth at which light can penetrate the water

Aphotic zone

Depth below the photic zone where light cannot penetrate the water, unsuitable for corals.

Bleaching

Stress response in corals caused by changes in abiotic factors, leading to the loss of zooxanthellae and bright coloring.

Biodiversity hotspots

Areas with high species diversity, such as coral reefs that tend to have large threats.

Predator-prey relationships

Interactions between species where one species hunts and consumes another.

Carbon sink

System that absorbs and stores carbon, such as coral reefs with their calcium carbonate exoskeletons.

Coastline erosion

Waves wearing down the coastline

Sedimentation

Deposition of sediment, such as dust and dirt

Ocean acidification

Increase in ocean acidity due to higher carbon dioxide levels, making it difficult for corals to form exoskeletons.

Overfishing

Harvesting individuals at a faster rate than the population can replenish, affecting coral reef species and their habitats.

Introduced species

Species introduced to coral reefs through ballast water, fish farming, or the aquarium trade, often becoming invasive and harming native species. Not native to the area.

CITES

Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species, regulating and controlling trade of coral species.

Marine protected area (MPA)

Designated area to protect coral reefs and their surrounding waters from damaging activities such as fishing or diving

Artificial reefs

Man-made structures, such as old ships or concrete, used to provide habitat for corals and other species.