Classification/Behaviors
What is the Phylum of a Caribbean Reef Shark?
A. Porifera
B. Chordata
C. Arthoropda
D. Echinodermata
B. Chordata
What is the potential negative environmental impact of human interaction on the Caribbean reef shark?
A. Overpopulation leading to reef degradation
B. Shark attacks disrupting tourism
C. Overfishing leading to population decline
D. Pollution caused by sharks
C. Overfishing leading to population decline
What is the primary habitat of the Caribbean reef shark?
A. Freshwater rivers
B. Open ocean
C. Coral reefs in shallow waters
D. Deep-sea trenches
C. Coral reefs in shallow waters
What distinctive feature helps Caribbean reef sharks to camouflage in coral reef environments?
A. Striped coloration
B. Countershading (dark dorsal side and light ventral side)
C. Brightly colored fins
D. Transparent skin
B. Countershading (dark dorsal side and light ventral side)
As of 2021, how does the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classify the Caribbean reef shark (Carcharhinus perezi)?
A. Least Concern
B. Near Threatened
C. Endangered
D. Critically Endangered
C. Endangered
What is the Class of a Caribbean Reef Shark?
A. Osteichthyes
B. Amphibia
C. Chondrichthyes
D. Reptilia
C. Chondrichthyes
What is one of the key positive environmental roles of the Caribbean reef shark?
A. Consuming coral to promote new reef growth
B. Regulating fish populations to maintain ecosystem balance
C. Cleaning up ocean waste
D. Creating habitats for smaller species
B. Regulating fish populations to maintain ecosystem balance
Which of the following is not part of the Caribbean reef shark’s diet?
A. Squid
B. Sea turtles
C. Crustaceans
D. Reef fish
B. Sea Turtles
What type of teeth does the Caribbean reef shark possess?
A. Flat, crushing teeth for grinding shells
B. Serrated, triangular teeth for cutting and gripping prey
C. Needle-like teeth for filter feeding
D. None, as they have a beak instead
B. Serrated, triangular teeth for cutting and gripping prey
What is the primary threat contributing to the decline of Caribbean reef shark populations?
A. Habitat loss due to coastal development
B. Overfishing for their meat and fins
C. Pollution from agricultural runoff
D. Climate change-induced temperature fluctuations
B. Overfishing for their meat and fins
What is the order of a Caribbean reef shark?
A. Lamniformes
B. Squaliformes
C. Carcharhiniformes
D. Rajiformes
C. Carcharhiniformes
How can the removal of Caribbean reef sharks from ecosystems negatively impact coral reefs?
A. Increases competition between predators
B. Leads to the overpopulation of smaller predatory fish
C. Causes coral bleaching due to shark waste
D. Reduces biodiversity of plant species
B. Leads to the overpopulation of smaller predatory fish
What is the typical depth range for the Caribbean reef shark?
A. 0–50 meters
B. 30–70 meters
C. 10–300 meters
D. 500–1000 meters
C. 10–300 meters
What unique feature of sharks distinguishes them from other classes in the phylum Chordata?
A. Bone skeletons
B. Cartilaginous skeletons instead of bones
C. Ability to breathe on land
D. Presence of a swim bladder
B. Cartilaginous skeletons instead of bones
By what percentage have Caribbean reef shark populations declined in some areas over the past three generations (approximately 29 years)?
A. 20–30%
B. 40–50%
C. 50–79%
D. Up to 99%
D. Up to 99%
4. What is the family of the Caribbean reef shark?
A. Sphyrnidae
B. Carcharhinidae
C. Triakidae
D. Pristidae
B. Carcharhinidae
How do Caribbean reef sharks benefit coral reef ecosystems?
A. They feed on algae, preventing overgrowth of corals.
B. They prevent herbivorous fish from overgrazing reefs.
C. Their presence ensures healthy populations of prey species.
D. They clean up dead coral to promote growth.
C. Their presence ensures healthy populations of prey species.
What is the preferred water temperature for the Caribbean reef shark?
A. 10–15°C (50–59°F)
B. 20–28°C (68–82°F)
C. 30–35°C (86–95°F)
D. Below 5°C (41°F)
B. 20–28°C (68–82°F)
What type of scales cover the body of a Caribbean reef shark, providing them with hydrodynamic efficiency?
A. Placoid scales (dermal denticles)
B. Cycloid scales
C. Ctenoid scales
D. None, as they have smooth skin
A. Placoid scales (dermal denticles)
Which Caribbean nation has established a shark sanctuary, significantly contributing to the protection of Caribbean reef sharks?
A. Jamaica
B. The Bahamas
C. Cuba
D. Puerto Rico
B. The Bahamas
6. What is the species of the Caribbean reef shark?
A. Carcharhinus limbatus
B. Carcharhinus longimanus
C. Carcharhinus perezi
D. Carcharhinus leucas
C. Carcharhinus perezi
How can Caribbean reef sharks positively impact ecotourism?
A. By scaring away invasive species
B. By attracting divers and promoting sustainable tourism
C. By providing food for other marine animals
D. By reducing water pollution
B. By attracting divers and promoting sustainable tourism
What are the primary predators of Caribbean reef sharks?
A. Larger sharks like tiger sharks
B. Killer whales
C. Crocodiles
D. None, as they are apex predators
A. Larger sharks like tiger sharks
Do Caribbean reef sharks possess a specialized organ unique to their class (Chondrichthyes)?
A. Yes, they have a swim bladder.
B. No, they lack any specialized organs.
C. Yes, their liver is specialized for buoyancy control.
D. Yes, they possess gills that allow terrestrial breathing.
C. Yes, their liver is specialized for buoyancy control.
According to recent studies, what combination has been found to double conservation benefits for reef sharks?
A. Marine protected areas (MPAs) combined with effective national fisheries management
B. Captive breeding programs and public education campaigns
C. Artificial reef construction and pollution control
D. Climate change mitigation and habitat restoration
A. Marine protected areas (MPAs) combined with effective national fisheries management