Coral Reefs
Paul Trunk
Earth Science
Coachman Fundamental
| Sunshine State Standards | Types of Reefs | Structure of Reefs |
| Task | Links | Evaluation |
Introduction
Coral reefs are sometimes called the “rainforests
of the sea”. They provide the basis of the most productive shallow water
ecosystem in the sea. Coral reefs are shaped by the forces in their environment.
There are different zones in the reef. When you understand the different zones
you will understand the ecology of the reefs.
The coral reef’s food chain starts with primary producers. Plants called
phytoplankton are simple celled plants that trap sunlight and begin the process
of transferring energy throughout the system. Plants such as seagrasses, algae,
and mangroves are also capable of trapping sunlight and providing a way to
pass on energy and nutrients to the primary consumers, animals that eat plants.
These herbivores are in turn eaten by secondary consumers called omnivores.
Omnivores eat both plant and animals. Carnivores are at the top of the food
chain. They eat only animals. Sharks are the top predator in a coral reef
ecosystem.
Energy and nutritional exchange is a constant, never-ending process that sometimes
takes place during the day (diurnal), at night (nocturnal) and at dusk and
dawn (crepuscular).
Reef fish, sharks and invertebrates
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Includes little essential information |
Includes some essentail information | Includes essentail, accurate information | Covers topic completely and in-depth |
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Organization
| Presentation lacks an introduction and conclusion | Attempts to introduce the topic, but lacks conclusion | Presentation has a small introduction, follows and sequence and has a conclusion | Has informative introduction, follows logical sequence and conclusion |
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Technical Requirements | Includes 5 slides or less | Includes 7 slides or less and adequate use of sound and graphics | Includes more than 7 slides and has appropriate use of sound or graphics | Includes more than 10 slides and shows informed use of sound and graphics |
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Mechanics
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Includes 5 grammatical or spelling errors | Includes 4-5 grammatical or spelling errors | Includes 2-3 grammatical or spelling errors | No grammatical or spelling errors present |
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Cooperative Group Work | Cannot work with others in most situations or share decisions | Some difficulty in communicating ideas and taking responsibility | Communicates ideas and takes responsibilty in the group | Communicates ideas with enthusiasm and takes leadership role |