Question

a tropical coral reef is a type of ecosystem in the ocean. tropical coral reefs are found in warm, shallow water near the equator. they have many large formations called corals. corals may look like rocks or plants, but they are actually structures made up of living animals and can grow over time.
corals provide shelter for fish, crabs, eels, and many other organisms. these coral reef organisms are prey for larger animals, such as sea turtles, sharks, and dolphins. most of these organisms need tropical coral reefs in order to survive and reproduce.
which of the following are characteristics of tropical coral reefs? select all that apply.
they are usually found in the deep ocean.
they have warm, salty water.
they have many large rocks called corals.
they are used by many different organisms.

Explanation:

• The text states tropical coral reefs are in warm, shallow water near the equator, so "They are usually found in the deep ocean" is incorrect.
• It mentions warm water (implied salinity as ocean water is salty), so "They have warm, salty water" is correct.
• Corals are structures of living animals, not rocks, so "They have many large rocks called corals" is incorrect.
• It says corals provide shelter for many organisms (fish, crabs, eels etc.), so "They are used by many different organisms" is correct.

Answer:

• B. They have warm, salty water.
• D. They are used by many different organisms.