The Maldives' Coral Reefs
- 1. The Maldives' coral reefs, renowned for their breathtaking beauty and vibrant marine biodiversity, are a natural wonder that attracts thousands of visitors from around the world each year. Stretching across 90,000 square kilometers of the Indian Ocean, these reefs comprise over 2,000 individual islands and are home to an astounding variety of marine life, including more than 2,000 species of fish, 200 species of coral, and numerous species of mollusks, crustaceans, and other marine organisms. The reefs play a crucial role in the ecosystem, providing habitat and sustenance for countless marine creatures while also protecting the islands from storm surges and coastal erosion. The delicate balance of this unique environment, however, is increasingly threatened by climate change, ocean acidification, and human activities such as overfishing and pollution. Conservation efforts are underway to preserve these vital ecosystems, which not only support local fisheries and livelihoods but also contribute significantly to the tourism industry. As scientists and conservationists work tirelessly to understand and mitigate the impacts of environmental changes, the preservation of the Maldives' coral reefs remains a top priority, symbolizing the urgent need for global efforts to protect our oceans and their incredible diversity.
Which of the following is a major threat to the Maldives' coral reefs?
A) volcanic activity
B) climate change
C) earthquakes
D) increased freshwater flow
- 2. Which of the following is critical for coral growth?
A) plankton
B) kelp
C) seaweed
D) zooxanthellae algae
- 3. How do coral reefs benefit coastal protection?
A) by blocking sunlight
B) by dissipating wave energy
C) by attracting predators
D) by preventing rainfall
- 4. The coral reefs of the Maldives are primarily located in what type of geographic feature?
A) islands
B) peninsulas
C) mountains
D) atolls
- 5. Which of these species is a major predator of coral?
A) crown-of-thorns starfish
B) sea urchin
C) parrotfish
D) lionfish
- 6. Which greenhouse gas is primarily responsible for climate change affecting coral reefs?
A) CH4
B) O3
C) CO2
D) N2
- 7. What is the process called when corals expel algae due to stress?
A) Coral dying
B) Coral fading
C) Coral breaking
D) Coral bleaching
- 8. What is the world's first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Maldives?
A) Ari Atoll
B) North Malé Atoll
C) Addu Atoll
D) Baa Atoll
- 9. What is the main purpose of marine protected areas in the Maldives?
A) tourism development
B) urbanization
C) conservation
D) fishing expansion
- 10. Which type of reef is found closest to the shore in the Maldives?
A) Deepwater reef
B) Barrier reef
C) Fringing reef
D) Atoll reef
- 11. What is the capital city of the Maldives?
A) Malé
B) Addu City
C) Maldives City
D) Hulhumalé
- 12. What is a popular coral reef activity for tourists in the Maldives?
A) skiing
B) cycling
C) snorkeling
D) rock climbing
- 13. Which of the following is a major coral species found in the Maldives?
A) Staghorn coral
B) Pine coral
C) Oak coral
D) Maple coral
- 14. What type of ecosystem services do coral reefs provide?
A) biodiversity support
B) air filtration
C) mineral extraction
D) water storage
- 15. What is the effect of ocean acidification on coral reefs?
A) Weakened coral structures
B) Increased fish population
C) Growth acceleration
D) Color enhancement
- 16. What's the first step in coral reef rehabilitation?
A) water testing
B) assessment of damage
C) fishing surveys
D) building barriers
- 17. Which of the following initiatives is aimed at protecting the reefs in the Maldives?
A) Land reclamation
B) Marine protected areas
C) Industrial fishing
D) Offshore drilling
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