Corals are uncomplicated marine animals and usually live in colonies containing thousands of individuals. Fig. 7.1 illustrates a coral colony. Corals take in calcium carbonate from the sea to construct their skeletons, and these skeletons help create large coral reefs. Coral reefs are home to about $25\%$ of the fish species known so far and have the greatest biodiversity of any marine ecosystem.
(a)[2]
Although corals are animals, they are sometimes confused with the plant kingdom. State two ways in which corals are different from plants.
(b)[2]
Outline what the term ecosystem means.
(c(i))[1]
Complete Table 7.1, giving your answers to the nearest whole number.
(c(ii))[3]
Suggest ways in which human activities could harm coral reefs.
Worked solution & mark scheme
This 8-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: “Chloroplasts are absent in corals” …