Evolution of Coral Reefs Near Seamounts

What is the correct order of coral reef development near seamounts?

A) Fringing reef, barrier reef, atoll
B) Barrier reef, atoll, fringing reef
C) Barrier reef, fringing reef, atoll
D) Fringing reef, barrier reef, atoll
E) Fringing reef, atoll, barrier reef
Final answer:

Answer:

The correct sequence of coral reef development is fringing reef, followed by barrier reef, and finally atoll, reflecting stages from initial formation to the island subsiding below sea level.

The correct order of coral reef development near seamounts is D) Fringing reef, barrier reef, atoll. This sequence reflects the typical stages in the formation of coral reef systems around a volcanic island. Initially, a fringing reef forms around the shoreline of the island. Over time, as the island subsides or sea levels rise, the reef grows outward and becomes a barrier reef, separated from the land by a lagoon. If the island continues to subside completely below the sea surface, the barrier reef may further develop into an atoll, which is a ring-like coral island or string of small islands surrounding a central lagoon where the island once was.