Coral Reef Interactions
Learning Objective
I can describe how living and non-living things interact in a coral reef ecosystem.
Key Concepts
Stony corals create the foundation of the reef by forming stone skeletons from calcium carbonate.
Soft corals and sponges attach to the hard surfaces created by stony corals, adding complexity and color to the reef.
Herbivorous and corallivorous fish help maintain the reef's structure by eating algae and coral.
Practice Questions
This lesson includes 9 practice questions to reinforce learning.
View questions preview
1. What is the foundational structure of a coral reef primarily built by?
2. Describe how coral polyps contribute to the growth of a coral reef.
3. How do soft corals and sponges contribute to the biodiversity of a coral reef?
...and 6 more questions
Educational Video
Constructing a Coral Reef: How Plants and Animals Create Coral Reef Ecosystems
Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History