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) increased freshwater flow
C) climate change
D) earthquakes
- 2. Which of the following is critical for coral growth?
A) kelp
B) zooxanthellae algae
C) seaweed
D) plankton
- 3. How do coral reefs benefit coastal protection?
A) by preventing rainfall
B) by attracting predators
C) by blocking sunlight
D) by dissipating wave energy
- 4. The coral reefs of the Maldives are primarily located in what type of geographic feature?
A) atolls
B) islands
C) peninsulas
D) mountains
- 5. Which of these species is a major predator of coral?
A) sea urchin
B) crown-of-thorns starfish
C) lionfish
D) parrotfish
- 6. Which greenhouse gas is primarily responsible for climate change affecting coral reefs?
A) O3
B) CH4
C) N2
D) CO2
- 7. What's the first step in coral reef rehabilitation?
A) water testing
B) assessment of damage
C) building barriers
D) fishing surveys
- 8. What type of ecosystem services do coral reefs provide?
A) water storage
B) biodiversity support
C) mineral extraction
D) air filtration
- 9. What is the main purpose of marine protected areas in the Maldives?
A) tourism development
B) fishing expansion
C) conservation
D) urbanization
- 10. What is a popular coral reef activity for tourists in the Maldives?
A) cycling
B) skiing
C) rock climbing
D) snorkeling
- 11. Which of the following is a major coral species found in the Maldives?
A) Staghorn coral
B) Maple coral
C) Pine coral
D) Oak coral
- 12. What is the capital city of the Maldives?
A) Hulhumalé
B) Addu City
C) Malé
D) Maldives City
- 13. What is the world's first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Maldives?
A) North Malé Atoll
B) Addu Atoll
C) Baa Atoll
D) Ari Atoll
- 14. What is the process called when corals expel algae due to stress?
A) Coral dying
B) Coral breaking
C) Coral fading
D) Coral bleaching
- 15. Which of the following initiatives is aimed at protecting the reefs in the Maldives?
A) Offshore drilling
B) Land reclamation
C) Industrial fishing
D) Marine protected areas
- 16. What is the effect of ocean acidification on coral reefs?
A) Weakened coral structures
B) Growth acceleration
C) Color enhancement
D) Increased fish population
- 17. Which type of reef is found closest to the shore in the Maldives?
A) Atoll reef
B) Deepwater reef
C) Barrier reef
D) Fringing reef
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