At Home In The Coral Reefs

1. What does the word partnership mean in the sentence? In the ocean many of the plants and animals have a partnership.

Way of hiding from each other

Way of helping each other

Swimming away

Eating alone

The word "partnership" in this sentence means that the plants and animals in the ocean have a way of helping each other. This suggests that they have a mutually beneficial relationship where they support and assist one another.

Explanation

The word "partnership" in this sentence means that the plants and animals in the ocean have a way of helping each other. This suggests that they have a mutually beneficial relationship where they support and assist one another.

2. Which of these BEST describes something people can do to help the coral reef?

They can work to keep oceans clean.

They can build many more aquariums.

They can grow coral reefs in laboratories

Working to keep oceans clean is the best way to help the coral reef. Coral reefs are highly sensitive ecosystems that are greatly affected by pollution and debris in the ocean. By keeping the oceans clean, people can prevent harmful substances from entering the water and damaging the coral reef. This includes reducing pollution, properly disposing of waste, and practicing sustainable fishing and boating practices.

Explanation

Working to keep oceans clean is the best way to help the coral reef. Coral reefs are highly sensitive ecosystems that are greatly affected by pollution and debris in the ocean. By keeping the oceans clean, people can prevent harmful substances from entering the water and damaging the coral reef. This includes reducing pollution, properly disposing of waste, and practicing sustainable fishing and boating practices.

3. Which of these is MOST LIKELY a way to avoid polluting our oceans?

Do not go near the water.

Add new fish to coral reef colonies.

Dump all waste on the ground near the water.

Recycle and reduce the amount of trash we make.

Recycling and reducing the amount of trash we make is the most likely way to avoid polluting our oceans. By recycling, we can ensure that waste materials are properly disposed of and not dumped into the ocean. Additionally, reducing the amount of trash we produce means there is less waste that could potentially end up in the ocean. This approach promotes environmental sustainability and helps protect marine ecosystems from pollution.

Explanation

Recycling and reducing the amount of trash we make is the most likely way to avoid polluting our oceans. By recycling, we can ensure that waste materials are properly disposed of and not dumped into the ocean. Additionally, reducing the amount of trash we produce means there is less waste that could potentially end up in the ocean. This approach promotes environmental sustainability and helps protect marine ecosystems from pollution.

4. What does the word current mean in the sentence? A giant current runs through the deep water of the ocean.

Something that happens in the present

Water that moves in one direction

Still water

Salt water

In this sentence, the word "current" refers to water that moves in one direction. The sentence mentions a "giant current" running through the deep water of the ocean, indicating a strong, continuous flow of water in a particular direction.

Explanation

In this sentence, the word "current" refers to water that moves in one direction. The sentence mentions a "giant current" running through the deep water of the ocean, indicating a strong, continuous flow of water in a particular direction.

5. Which of these BEST describes how sand is formed?

Thousands of years ago, someone dropped soil on the beach, and it grew into sand from exposure to the sun.

Over thousands of years, ocean waves pound garbage into tiny bits, which eventually become sand.

No one knows how sand is formed; it is a mystery.

Sand is formed through a process called weathering, where rocks and minerals are broken down into smaller particles. In the case of sand, the process specifically involves the pounding action of ocean waves on the skeletons of reef animals and plants, gradually breaking them down into smaller and smaller bits. Over thousands of years, these particles become grains of sand. This process is well-documented and understood by scientists.

Explanation

Sand is formed through a process called weathering, where rocks and minerals are broken down into smaller particles. In the case of sand, the process specifically involves the pounding action of ocean waves on the skeletons of reef animals and plants, gradually breaking them down into smaller and smaller bits. Over thousands of years, these particles become grains of sand. This process is well-documented and understood by scientists.

6. Which of these is MOST LIKELY a lesson people can learn from a coral reef?

Gobbies are not smart.

Dead reefs can make sand.

Building complex life systems is easy.

Animals working together can accomplish much more than alone.

Coral reefs are known for their intricate and complex ecosystems, where different species of animals work together to thrive and survive. This answer suggests that one of the lessons people can learn from coral reefs is the importance of collaboration and cooperation. When animals work together, they can achieve more than they could on their own, highlighting the significance of teamwork and collective effort in achieving success.

Explanation

Coral reefs are known for their intricate and complex ecosystems, where different species of animals work together to thrive and survive. This answer suggests that one of the lessons people can learn from coral reefs is the importance of collaboration and cooperation. When animals work together, they can achieve more than they could on their own, highlighting the significance of teamwork and collective effort in achieving success.

7. What does the word suburbs mean in the sentence? People use water on farms, in cities, and in suburbs.

A place in the city

A small cottage house

A town close to the city

A large apartment building

The word "suburbs" in the sentence refers to a town close to the city. It is mentioned along with farms and cities, indicating that it is a separate location from both. Suburbs are typically residential areas located on the outskirts of a city, providing a more suburban lifestyle while still being close to urban amenities.

Explanation

The word "suburbs" in the sentence refers to a town close to the city. It is mentioned along with farms and cities, indicating that it is a separate location from both. Suburbs are typically residential areas located on the outskirts of a city, providing a more suburban lifestyle while still being close to urban amenities.

8. Which of these is the name of the zillions of tiny animals that make a coral reef?

Lagoons

Skeletons

Blue tags

Coral polyps

Coral reefs are formed by the accumulation of the calcium carbonate skeletons of tiny animals called coral polyps. These polyps secrete a hard exoskeleton that forms the structure of the reef. Over time, as more and more polyps die and their skeletons remain, they build up and create the coral reef. Therefore, the correct answer is "skeletons."

Explanation

Coral reefs are formed by the accumulation of the calcium carbonate skeletons of tiny animals called coral polyps. These polyps secrete a hard exoskeleton that forms the structure of the reef. Over time, as more and more polyps die and their skeletons remain, they build up and create the coral reef. Therefore, the correct answer is "skeletons."

9. Why does the author MOST LIKELY include this sentence? Divers who swim in the coral reef sometimes step on and break pieces of the reef.

To show that divers need to be more careful when swimming in the ocean

To suggest that the coral is not important to the animals of the ocean

To show that the divers need a place to swim

To suggest that the broken coral can grow back

The author most likely includes the sentence to suggest that the broken coral can grow back. This sentence implies that even though divers may accidentally damage the coral reef, there is hope for its recovery. It highlights the resilience and regenerative abilities of the coral, emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts to protect and preserve these fragile ecosystems.

Explanation

The author most likely includes the sentence to suggest that the broken coral can grow back. This sentence implies that even though divers may accidentally damage the coral reef, there is hope for its recovery. It highlights the resilience and regenerative abilities of the coral, emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts to protect and preserve these fragile ecosystems.