Corals are basic marine animals and they usually live together in colonies containing thousands of individuals. Fig. 7.1 illustrates a coral colony.
Corals take in calcium carbonate from the sea in order to make their skeletons, and these skeletons contribute to the formation of extensive coral reefs. Coral reefs act as a habitat for about $25\%$ of known fish species and show the greatest biodiversity of any marine ecosystem.
(a)[2]
Although corals are animals, they are sometimes confused with plants. State two features in which corals differ from plants.
(b)[2]
Outline what the term ecosystem means.
(c(i))[1]
Complete Table 7.1, giving each answer to the nearest whole number.
(c(ii))[3]
Suggest ways in which human activities could damage coral reefs.
Worked solution & mark scheme
This 8-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: “Cells lack chloroplasts” …