Marine Ecosystems Exam Review

Flashcards covering key concepts from Marine Ecosystem lecture notes for exam preparation.

What is the mutualistic relationship between coral polyps and zooxanthellae?

Zooxanthellae live inside the coral polyps, gaining protection while providing nutrients through photosynthesis.

How are red mangroves adapted to their environment?

Red mangroves have prop roots for stability, membranes to filter salt, and they excrete salt through their leaves.

What are the main factors affecting organism distribution on rocky shores?

Exposure time, dissolved oxygen concentration, and competition are key factors influencing organism abundance and distribution.

What structures do coral polyps possess and their functions?

Tentacles capture prey; nematocysts are stinging cells; the mouth takes in food; the stomach absorbs nutrients; calyx is the stony cup; theca are walls of calyx; basal plate separates polyp from substrate.

What leads to coral reef erosion?

Predators, ocean acidification, hurricanes, exposure to air, diseases, tourism, and destructive fishing methods contribute to reef erosion.

What is the importance of corals in coastal protection?

Corals prevent coastal erosion, reduce flooding, protect coastal properties, provide anchorage, and lower construction costs for breakwaters.

What are the conditions required for tropical reef-building coral growth?

Warm water (~25℃), clear water for zooxanthellae photosynthesis, rocky substrate for attachment, shallow depth, average salinity of ~35 ppt, and non-acidic water.

Why do tropical corals rarely grow in deeper water?

Deeper water lacks sufficient light for photosynthesis and is typically too cold for tropical corals.

What are the unique organelles found in plant cells?

Plant cells have a cell wall, large permanent vacuole, and chloroplasts.

How does a rocky shore's biodiversity compare to that of a sandy shore?

Rocky shores have greater biodiversity due to stable substrate attachment, higher productivity, and less erosion compared to sandy shores.

List the five oceans from largest to smallest.

Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern, Arctic.

What is the Darwin-Dana-Daly theory of atoll formation?

It involves the subsidence of a volcanic island, forming a fringing reef, a barrier reef, and eventually an atoll with a lagoon.

What advantages do reef balls offer for artificial reef construction?

Reef balls have holes for habitat, provide a suitable substrate, are heavy/sturdy to resist washing away, and are non-toxic to prevent entering the food chain.

What are the main adaptations of organisms living on a sandy shore?

They have burrowing abilities to avoid desiccation, are opportunistic feeders, and utilize camouflage for migratory adaptations.

What is a disadvantage of genetically engineering coral?

Genetically engineered corals have lowered genetic diversity, increasing susceptibility to diseases.