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Protecting the Coastal Zone Biome: A Crucial Choice for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health

Given the opportunity to save one biome, I would choose the Coastal Zone due to its rich biodiversity and critical role in marine ecosystems. This shallow saltwater environment is home to numerous species, including essential keystone species like corals. The Coastal Zone also supports important fishing industries and recreational activities that benefit local communities. As human activities increasingly threaten these delicate ecosystems, preserving the Coastal Zone is vital for maintaining nutrient cycling, supporting aquatic life, and safeguarding coastal communities against environmental changes.

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Protecting the Coastal Zone Biome: A Crucial Choice for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health

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  1. Warm Up #6.57 • You are given enough funds and resources to save one type of biome (out of the 11 we have discussed in class). Which biome would you save? In a paragraph (at least 5-6 sentences) provide at three reasons or more on why you would save this one over any of the others.

  2. Chapter 8: Water Biomes

  3. Type 1: Coastal Zone • Shallow salt water • Close to shore • Light-rich, nutrient poor • Biodiversity • Threatened by human activity

  4. Importance of Ocean Currents • Upwelling – cycling of warm surface water with cool deep water • Nutrient cycling • Aquatic – Phytoplankton and whales

  5. El Nino • El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) – in Pacific Ocean • Western winds weaken • Occurs every 3-4 years • Lasts several months • Result: no nutrient upwelling, dramatic affects aquatic ecosystems

  6. Coral Reefs • Tropical forests of the sea • Near equator, biodiversity, nutrient poor water • Coral = keystone species – affect many other organisms of ecosystem • Coral and algae = mutualism relationship

  7. Coral and Algae: A Case Study • Algae live inside coral + = algae make food (photosynthesis) + = coral protect and provide nutrient-rich enviro. • Nutrients make coral skeleton (calcium carbonate) • Regulates CO2 levels

  8. Coral and Algae cont’d • Algae = temperature and salinity sensitive (limiting factor) • Human activity = high temps • Result: algae die  Coral Bleaching – coral turns white, releases CO2

  9. Effects of Coral Bleaching • Loss of biodiversity • Loss of tourism (Great Barrier Reef) – less $$ • Raised ocean temps (CO2) – positive feedback • More invasive, harmful species

  10. Quick Quiz # pi • Why are coral considered to be a keystone species? • Use two specific examples to explain why coral and algae have a mutualism relationship? • Why is coral bleaching an example of a positive feedback event?

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