Question

Corals, and the zooxanthellae algae they contain, form the base of a coral reef ecosystem. Organisms like sea urchins feed on microorganisms that grow on the corals. Organisms including seahorses feed on plankton and fish that also inhabit the reef. Larger animals like sea turtles frequently enter the reef to forage. Seaweeds, which are competitors of corals, May grow along the reef bottom.

The biodiversity in a coral ecosystem can be changed by both natural and human activities. What is a natural factor that would most likely decrease the ecosystem’s biodiversity?

A)a decrease in the level of inbreeding in several seahorse populations in the reef
B)a sudden increase in the harvesting of corals, which decreases the coral population in the reef
C)the overgrowth of a population of seaweed, which prevents light from reaching the reef
D)the immigration of several new populations of sea urchins into the reef

Answer 1

The answer is C) the overgrowth of a population of seaweed, which prevents light from reaching the reef. I am 100% sure this is the PLATO answer, as I just scored a 100 on the test.

Answer 2

Answer: Option C

Explanation:

The coral reef has its own biodiversity and has many types of animals and plants living in there. The coral reef contains plankton which trap sunlight and convert the solar energy into chemical energy which is used by other animals of the biodiversity.

The source of sunlight is the main source of energy and if there will be more sea weed trapping sunlight then there will be a competition between seaweed and coral reef.

So, the natural reason for the decreased biodiversity is overgrowth of population of seaweed which prevents the light from reaching the reef.