Coral reefs and mangroves
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All 12 Flashcards — Coral reefs and mangroves
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Question
What is a coral reef?
Answer
A ridge built by tiny **coral polyps** that need warm, clear, shallow, sunlit, salty water.
Question
Define coral bleaching.
Answer
When sea water gets too warm, corals **expel the algae** that feed and colour them, turning white and often dying.
Question
Define ocean acidification.
Answer
Extra **CO2** dissolving in seawater makes it more acidic, so corals struggle to build their **skeletons**.
Question
What is a mangrove swamp?
Answer
**Salt-tolerant trees** rooted in the sheltered, shallow **intertidal zone** of tropical coasts.
Question
One physical condition mangroves need?
Answer
Sheltered, **low-energy** shallow water in warm tropical seas (e.g. estuaries and lagoons).
Question
How do reefs and mangroves protect the coast?
Answer
Reefs **break wave energy**; mangrove roots **absorb storm-surge** and trap sediment - shielding the shore.
Question
Why are reefs valuable to fishers?
Answer
They are **breeding and nursery grounds** for fish, giving fishers a steady catch and income.
Question
Two economic benefits of coral reefs?
Answer
**Tourism** (diving/snorkelling jobs) and **fisheries** (reef-fish income); also coastal protection saving repair costs.
Question
Two human threats to coral reefs?
Answer
**Overfishing/dynamite fishing** and **pollution/run-off** (also coastal development, tourism damage).
Question
Biggest natural threat to reefs?
Answer
**Climate change** - warming causes bleaching and extra CO2 causes acidification.
Question
Two environmental impacts of mangrove loss?
Answer
**Less storm protection** and **lost fish nurseries/biodiversity** (also lost carbon store and more pollution reaching the sea).
Question
What does a top [10] Examine answer need?
Answer
Two+ developed threats (natural AND human), a named example, a weighing of relative seriousness, and a clear judgement.
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Full study notes for Coral reefs and mangroves
Topic 8.2 hub
Interactions between oceans and the coastal places
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Geography exam skills
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