the long-spined urchin is important on coral reefs throughout the Caribbean. If they were to disappear, what change would occur?

Question

1)the coral would die from disease
2)plankton blooms would occur
3)the fish would disappear
4)the coral would become covered in fleshy algae

Answer 1

If long-spined urchins were to disappear from Caribbean coral reefs, the most likely change would be:

4) the coral would become covered in fleshy algae.

Long-spined urchins play a crucial role in controlling algal growth on coral reefs by grazing on algae. Without them, there could be unchecked algal growth, particularly fleshy algae, which can inhibit coral health and reduce their ability to compete for space and resources. This shift in the reef ecosystem can lead to a decline in coral populations and overall reef health.