Blue Planet- Seas of Life Coral Seas Questions and
Answers 2023 with complete solution
As you watch the introduction sequence, list three abiotic, or nonliving factors in this
ecosystem.
Rocks, Water, and Sand
A keystone species is one that plays a critical role in maintaining an ecological
community. Would you classify the coral polyps as a keystone species? Explain why or
why not.
Yes, because it provides a shelter and safe spot to live for many different organisms
such as fish and crabs.
How would you classify the relationship between the algae and the coral polyps?
Their relationship is mutualistic, as the algae provides food for the coral and the reef
regulates sunlight and provides the algae a home.
Which abiotic factor is the critical factor in the growth of the coral polyps?
Sunlight is a critical abiotic factor.
How would you classify the relationship between the butterfly fish and the coral polyps?
Their relationship is predator-prey, with the butterfly fish acting as the predator and the
coral polyps as the prey.
Why is it an evolutionary advantage for the coral polyps to only come out at night?
It keeps them safe from potential predators and allows them to capture food.
How would you classify the relationship between the coral polyps and the plankton?
Their relationship is predator-prey, with the coral polyps acting as the predator and the
plankton as the prey.
How would you classify the relationship between the different species of coral?
Their relationship is competition as they compete for space on the reef itself.
How would you classify the relationship between coral and the crown-of-thorns starfish?
Their relationship is predator-prey, with the crown-of-thorn starfish acting as the
predator and the coral polyps as the prey.
How would you classify the relationship between coral and the small crabs?
Their relationship is mutualistic, as the crabs provide protection for the coral reef and
the reef provides the crabs a home.
How would you classify the relationship between parrotfish and coral?
Their relationship is predator-prey, with the parrotfish acting as the predator and the
coral as the prey.
Jacks and silversides are a good example of an evolutionary arms race between
predators and prey. Describe the predatory adaptations of the jacks, and the defensive
adaptations of the silversides.
a. Jacks - They are very fast and herd fish in order to make in easier for them (jacks) to
attack b. Silversides - They travel in groups and have the advantage of their color
How would you classify the relationship between the sponge and the shrimp?
Their relationship is commensalism as the shrimp lives off of the sponge but the sponge
receives nothing.
How would you classify the relationship between the polychaete worm and the shrimp?
Answers 2023 with complete solution
As you watch the introduction sequence, list three abiotic, or nonliving factors in this
ecosystem.
Rocks, Water, and Sand
A keystone species is one that plays a critical role in maintaining an ecological
community. Would you classify the coral polyps as a keystone species? Explain why or
why not.
Yes, because it provides a shelter and safe spot to live for many different organisms
such as fish and crabs.
How would you classify the relationship between the algae and the coral polyps?
Their relationship is mutualistic, as the algae provides food for the coral and the reef
regulates sunlight and provides the algae a home.
Which abiotic factor is the critical factor in the growth of the coral polyps?
Sunlight is a critical abiotic factor.
How would you classify the relationship between the butterfly fish and the coral polyps?
Their relationship is predator-prey, with the butterfly fish acting as the predator and the
coral polyps as the prey.
Why is it an evolutionary advantage for the coral polyps to only come out at night?
It keeps them safe from potential predators and allows them to capture food.
How would you classify the relationship between the coral polyps and the plankton?
Their relationship is predator-prey, with the coral polyps acting as the predator and the
plankton as the prey.
How would you classify the relationship between the different species of coral?
Their relationship is competition as they compete for space on the reef itself.
How would you classify the relationship between coral and the crown-of-thorns starfish?
Their relationship is predator-prey, with the crown-of-thorn starfish acting as the
predator and the coral polyps as the prey.
How would you classify the relationship between coral and the small crabs?
Their relationship is mutualistic, as the crabs provide protection for the coral reef and
the reef provides the crabs a home.
How would you classify the relationship between parrotfish and coral?
Their relationship is predator-prey, with the parrotfish acting as the predator and the
coral as the prey.
Jacks and silversides are a good example of an evolutionary arms race between
predators and prey. Describe the predatory adaptations of the jacks, and the defensive
adaptations of the silversides.
a. Jacks - They are very fast and herd fish in order to make in easier for them (jacks) to
attack b. Silversides - They travel in groups and have the advantage of their color
How would you classify the relationship between the sponge and the shrimp?
Their relationship is commensalism as the shrimp lives off of the sponge but the sponge
receives nothing.
How would you classify the relationship between the polychaete worm and the shrimp?
