Question

What are two abiotic and two biotic conditions in a coral reef that provide the conditions necessary for it to have high biodiversity? How could a disturbance affect the biodiversity of the coral reef?

Answer 1

The two abiotic conditions in the coral reef that contribute to the high biodiversity are:

1. Temperature
2. Sunlight

Whilst the abiotic factors are

1. Plant and
2. Bacteria

Step-by-step explanation:

The coral reef which covers a space of 115,831 square miles (or 30 million hectares os space) is home to a rich diversity of aquatic life (plants and animals alike). Being the largest coral reef on earth a lot of attention is given to it to ensure that its health and functionality is preserved.

The above factors contribute immensely to the stability and operability of the great reef.

The coral reef abounds with many aquatic animals such as crabs, herbivorous fish, sea turtles, sea urchins etc Many of these feed off microscopic plants such as the phytoplankton (that is tiny plants) and microscopic animals referred to as zooplankton. The zooplankton in turn feed off microscopic plant, bacterioplankton and even other zooplankton.

It is easy to see that at the base of the food chain lies Phytoplankton and bacterioplankton. This group require sunlight to thrive.

The smaller herbivorous fish, crabs, sea turtles and urchins on the other hand, constitute food for larger animals such as sharks, Baracuda etc.

It is also important to note that these microscopic life (plant and animals) require a certain temperature to thrive. If the water body in these eco system were to exceed a certain temperature, it is highly doubtful that they would survive. The death the the plant and animal life at the base of the food chain will completely disrupt the entire biodiversity and may even lead to its extinction.

Cheers!