Coral Reefs and Mangrove Quiz

Where are the most diverse mangrove populations found?

Southeast Asia and West Africa

What environmental conditions support mangrove growth?

Mean air temperature >20°C, mean water temperature in summer >24°C, and precipitation >1250 mm.

What is the largest mangrove population by country?

Indonesia

What are the three types of mangrove trees and their characteristics?

Red Mangrove: submerged roots, wind-pollinated. Black Mangrove: roots submerged at high tide, animal-pollinated. White Mangrove: roots avoid tidal patterns, tolerate higher salinity.

What role do mangroves play in coastal ecosystems?

They stabilize shorelines, trap sediments, mitigate storm surges, provide habitats, and serve as nurseries for marine species.

What are pneumatophores in mangroves?

Holes in roots that allow oxygen intake.

What is blue carbon?

Carbon restoration through reforestation of coastal ecosystems like mangroves.

What are the primary characteristics of salt marshes?

Wetlands characterized by herbaceous vegetation adapted to saturated conditions, influenced by saltwater tidal floods.

Where are salt marshes most commonly distributed?

Above 30° N Latitude, with the highest concentration around 80° W Longitude.

What is the difference between cold water corals and warm water corals?

Cold water corals live in deep, cold waters and lack skeletons, while warm water corals thrive in shallow, warm waters and have algal symbionts.

What is the significance of coral reefs in marine ecosystems?

Coral reefs support about 25% of marine life and provide critical habitats and food sources.

What are the main threats to coral reefs?

Loss of microorganisms, coral bleaching, pathogens, and overgrazing by sea urchins.

What is coral bleaching?

A phenomenon where corals lose their symbiotic algae, leaving only the skeleton exposed and weakening the coral.

What is the Great Barrier Reef known for?

It is the largest reef system in the world, experiencing significant coral cover decline and bleaching events.

What restoration efforts are being made for coral reefs?

Establishing local coral nurseries, banning bottom trawling, and creating no-take marine reserves.

What are the characteristics of the Belize Barrier Reef?

It is the second largest barrier reef, hosts about 1,400 marine species, and has experienced significant damage since 1998.

What do zooxanthellae provide to corals?

Sugar, waste removal, and nutrients.

What do corals provide to zooxanthellae?

Habitat, protection, CO2, nitrogen, and phosphorus.

What are the types of roots found in mangroves and their functions?

Nutritive feeding roots (nutrient uptake), anchor roots (stabilization), knee roots (oxygen intake), stilt roots (support), and buttress roots (stability).

What is the role of mangroves in carbon storage?

Mangroves store the most carbon among tropical and subtropical ecosystems.