Understanding Informational Texts

Understanding Informational Texts

Read the passage below carefully, then answer the questions that follow.

The Amazing World of Coral Reefs

Coral reefs are often called the 'rainforests of the sea' because they are home to an incredible diversity of marine life. These underwater ecosystems are formed by colonies of tiny animals called coral polyps. Each polyp secretes a hard, calcium carbonate exoskeleton, and over thousands of years, these exoskeletons build up to create the massive structures we know as coral reefs. They are found in warm, shallow ocean waters, typically within 30 degrees north or south of the equator.

Coral reefs provide many benefits, both to marine creatures and to humans. They serve as nurseries for fish and other organisms, offering protection from predators and a plentiful food supply. For humans, coral reefs protect coastlines from erosion by reducing wave energy, and they are a significant source of food and income through fishing and tourism. However, coral reefs are facing serious threats from climate change, ocean acidification, and pollution. Rising ocean temperatures cause coral bleaching, a process where corals expel the algae living in their tissues, leading to their death if temperatures remain high. Ocean acidification, caused by increased absorption of carbon dioxide, makes it harder for corals to build their skeletons. Protecting these vital ecosystems is crucial for the health of our planet.

1. What are coral reefs often called due to their biodiversity?

2. Coral reefs are formed by tiny animals called  .

3. Rising ocean temperatures can cause coral  .

4. List two benefits that coral reefs provide to humans.

5. Coral reefs are typically found in cold, deep ocean waters.

6. Explain how ocean acidification affects coral reefs and what causes it.