Seagrass Basics
This kingdom contains seagrasses because they are true vascular plants.
What is the plant kingdom?
Kelp belongs to this kingdom instead of the plant kingdom.
What is Protista?
Coral reefs are built by tiny animals called this.
What are coral polyps
This type of reef forms directly along the shoreline.
What is a fringing reef?
A 1–2 degree rise in water temperature can cause this harmful reef condition.
What is coral bleaching?
Seagrasses use these specialized tubes to transport water and nutrients.
What are xylem and phloem?
This root-like structure anchors kelp to rocks.
What is a holdfast?
These microscopic algae live inside coral and provide food through photosynthesis.
What are zooxanthellae?
This reef type is separated from shore by a lagoon.
What is a barrier reef?
Two destructive fishing practices that damage coral reefs.
What are using explosives and cyanide fishing?
These underground stems help stabilize sediments and prevent erosion.
What are rhizomes?
These gas-filled structures help kelp fronds float near the surface.
What are gas bladders?
This class of animals do coral polyps belong to.
What is Anthozoa
This ring-shaped reef forms around a sinking volcanic island.
What is an atoll?
This starfish species is a natural predator that can damage coral reefs.
What is the Crown of Thorns starfish?
Seagrasses reproduce using these structures, which kelp do not produce.
What are flowers (and seeds)?
This predator helps control sea urchins and keeps kelp forests healthy.
What is a sea otter?
When corals lose their zooxanthellae due to stress, this event occurs.
What is coral bleaching?
According to this scientist, reefs begin as fringing reefs and change as islands sink.
Who is Charles Darwin?
Three major human threats to kelp forests and coral reefs.
What are pollution, climate change, and overfishing?
If a large seagrass bed were destroyed, these two environmental problems would likely increase.
What are erosion and decreased nutrient cycling?
Only about this percentage of kelp is eaten directly, while the rest decomposes into the ecosystem.
What is 10%
Coral reefs are home to approximately this fraction of all marine species.
What is one quarter (1/4)?
This highest part of the reef absorbs wave energy and protects delicate corals.
What is the reef crest?
These ecosystems protect coastlines by reducing erosion and absorbing wave energy.
What are coral reefs (and seagrass beds)?