Student Exploration Coral Reefs 2 – Biotic Factors GIZMO

Directions: Follow the instructions to go through the simulation. Respond to the questions and prompts in the orange boxes. [Note to teachers and students: This lesson was designed as a follow-up to the ​Coral Reefs 1 – Abiotic Factors lesson. We recommend doing that activity before trying this one.] Vocabulary​:​ biotic factor, black band disease, invasive species, white band disease Prior Knowledge Questions ​(Do these BEFORE using the Gizmo.) In 1992, Hurricane Andrew left a wake of destruction through Florida. One victim of the storm was a reptile-breeding facility. Over 900 Burmese pythons were set free, and today thousands of pythons live in Florida. These pythons are an ​invasive species​, or a harmful species not native to the region. 1. What impacts do you think the Burmese pythons might have on local ecosystems? I think that they will affect the ecosystems because I think it will eat everything or bite? Also,​The Burmese python has harmed the ecosystem in the Florida Everglades by preying on many native species such as small mammals, alligators and even deer. 2. In general, why might ecologists be concerned when new invasive species arrive in an ecosystem? Ecologists are deeply concerned when there are invasive species in an ecosystem because they have the ability to colonize that particular ecosystem, disrupting its normal routine or functions. Gizmo Warm-up Like terrestrial environments, coral reefs can be damaged by invasive species. Reefs are also impacted by disease-causing bacteria, humans, and other ​biotic factors​, or living parts of the ecosystem. In the ​Coral Reefs 2 – Biotic Factors​ lesson, you will explore how these factors affect coral reefs.