That discussion will lead the class to examine the threats to reefs both by humans and by nature. Coral Reef Basics. Platform reefs do not have a single consistent size with several of the larger ones extending a couple of miles across while the smaller ones are some feet across. Place students in an area where they have room to mingle amongst each other. 1. An ecosystem comprises both the biotic and abiotic factors in a specific area. A food web consists of all the food chains in a single ecosystem.Each living thing in an ecosystem is part of multiple food chains. “Well-managed” reefs can yield between 5 and 15 tons of fish, crustaceans, molluscs and other invertebrates per square kilometer. Each food chain is one possible path that energy and nutrients may take as they move through the ecosystem. Each of the types of ecosystems have various abiotic features, such as sunlight, soil moisture, rainfall and temperatures. (Photo: Jim Larson) ... Students will distinguish the different types of coral reefs (fringing, barrier, atoll) and identify the ... For each problem, draw a picture to help you find the answer. These features include the physical, biological and chemical aspects of a specific habitat. Aquatic ecosystems are generally divided into two types --the marine ecosystem and the freshwater ecosystem. Give each student a picture of a coral reef organism (i.e. Each type of survey is used to identify the species, diversity, and number of corals. 30.2). Identify basic needs for organisms to survive. The third type of coral reef is the platform reef which generally grows either on the continental shelf or in the open ocean with some being found close to 124 miles from the shoreline. Branching corals: this type is most commonly associated with the most colorful small corals, and are made up of a tree-like structure with multiple branches and secondary branches. Not all energy is transferred from one trophic level to another. While they wait, have them look at the Coral Reef Ecosystem illustration and its key, identify their reef creature, and practice describing the role the organism plays in the reef ecosystem. The largest water ecosystem is the marine ecosystem, covering over 70 percent of the earth's surface. LeSSON 3 Human impact on Coral Reefs Lesson at a Glance In this lesson students will have a class discussion on the ecological importance of coral reefs and their value to humans. Survival in the Coral Reef Habitat A. The teacher will be able to assess what students already know about corals, algae, and the organisms that live on reefs and how the students relate to the reef. But this figure rises to 20-25% in developing countries, and 70-90% in Southeast Asian countries. Coral reefs provide about 10% of the fish caught worldwide. Draw a large (two ring) Venn Diagram on the board. 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