What role(s) do coral have in the ecosystem of the ocean?

Read over the section in Chapter 3:  Acidification:  A Threat to Water Quality.  You might want to review the lecture highlight that pertains to the same information.

Then,select the hyperlinks.  Watch the videos and take notes about the major concepts presented.

What is Coral?

Coral Gardening- Recreating the Oceans Life Cycle

What is Ocean Acidification?

Ocean Acidification.  Where will all the seashells go?

Answer the following questions.   With each question answered, provide a citation.  Cite the video from the list above that helped you answer the question.

1. What role(s) do coral have in the ecosystem of the ocean?
2. What is the living portion of a coral called?
3. How is a coral colony and even larger, a coral reef formed?
4. Chemically, how is dissolved CO₂ in seawater associated with the production of H⁺?
5. Explain in chemical terms how excess dissolved CO₂ and H⁺ production in seawater directly affect the formation and integrity of the coral exoskeleton (shell).
6. As a result of working through this assignment,what assumptions did you have about this topic that were challenged, dismissed or confirmed?