For one named ecosystem, outline the reasons for its formation and discuss how it develops over

time (25) Introduction: What is coral reef? How will you answer the question? Coral reef is made up entirely of living organisms (such as Polyps) and the deposits of calcium carbonate which they produce. Answer structure: Outline conditions. Darwins theory of formation. Change over time. Succession. Natural hazards Volcanoes / Tropical Storms. Human Impact. Outline the conditions for Coral reef formation Make a point
Climate Coral needs the right climate to form

Explain the point

Coral reef forms almost entirely within the tropics and where ocean temperatures are above 18 degrees Celsius. Coral grows better where temperatures are between 23 and 25 degrees Celsius. Coral grows best in areas where there is a large enough fetch to create a strong wave action as this oxygenates the water. Coral only grows in saline water.

Give evidence / Use a case study

Coral forms in many tropical regions around the world including the Caribbean, South East Asia, Northern Australia and around volcanic islands.

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Coral reefs are unique marine ecosystems which can only form with very specific conditions.

Wave currents Coral needs well oxygenated salt water to grow effectively Tropical waters nutrient deficient Other factors Light levels Water depth Nutrient Deficient water

Coral needs high light levels to form and thus usually forms in waters less than 25m deep. Nutrient deficient water is much clearer increasing the light levels

Outline the theory of coral reef formation (diagram) When the conditions are correct coral reef can begin to form. Its formation is very slow taking tens of thousands of years. Darwin created a theory for how reefs develop over time.

Explain how coral reefs develop over time Make a point

Coral develops naturally over time through the process of succession.

Explain the point (diagram?)

Stages of succession 1. A hard or rocky substrate free of algae is needed so that the small coral recruits, or polyps, could attach

Give evidence / Use a case study

Line Islands Pristene coral environment.

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Coral naturally changes over time due to the process of

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and begin to multiply into a coral colony. The coral colonies would then provide food, space, and shelter for other reef creatures, including herbivores. Then, carnivorous fish and invertebrates would multiply and feed on the herbivores. As biodiversity increased, additional niches would develop. And in the case of the more pristine Line Islands, the reef supported more predators than herbivores and showed signs of stability and resilience. E.g. Hawaiian Coral Reef

succession. However this process is very slow and can take tens of thousands of years.

Coral can change over time due to disturbance from hazards e.g. Volcanoes Tropical Storms

Lava flows can destroy or damage existing coral, however they also create new algae free rocky substrate to which polyps can attach Tropical storms can generate large waves which damage the structure and integrity of coral reefs. This can reduce biodiversity in the coral. Tropical storms can also benefit coral by reducing thermal stress from high ocean temperature as they cause upwelling of cooler water and transfer latent heat out of the ocean. This helps maintain conditions for a healthy reef. Global scale coral reef systems are changing due to climate change as increasing ocean temperatures add thermal stress to the coral. Globally but also at a local scale overfishing and pollution leading to coral bleaching. In many areas where reefs are important to humans, for fishing / tourism plans for sustainable use are being implemented but not always successfully

Natural hazards can both benefit and destroy biodiversity in a coral reef ecosystem.

Coral Reef ecosystems can rapidly change due to human influence Idea of scale

St Lucia. Economy based on tourism, and fishing. 1992 plan to limit coral damage by creating the Soufriere Marine Management Area to limit fishing in certain areas

Humans can have rapid negative impact on coral reefs causing rapid loss of biodiversity if not managed correctly

In Conclusion Coral Reefs have specific conditions for formation and there are three different types as identified by Darwin. Coral Reefs naturally change over time due to succession and natural competition within species. This process is very slow. Natural Hazards can change coral reef ecosystems very quickly, and can have both positive and negative effects on the biodiversity of coral. Humans generally only have negative impact on coral reef systems although as understanding and management improves our impact should decrease.