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Coral Reefs Coral Reefs Coral reefs are similar to rain forests in that they are complex and diverse Coral Reefs Coral reefs are made of calcium carbonate CaCO3 deposited by reef-building organisms like coral. Coral Reefs Coral polyp is a sac like stage of a Cnidarian with mouth and tentacles on top. Coral polyp Coral Reefs What is a coral colony? “Founder” coral divides over and over so all are clones that have a connected digestion system and share a common nervous system. Touch one and they all respond. Coral Colony cutaway Coral Colony Coral Reef What are zooxanthellae? Dinoflagellates that live within animal tissue Have symbiotic mutualistic relationships with organisms providing food and color • They do photosynthesis and pass on some of the organic matter to the coral. • Feed coral from inside. • Enable coral to make CaCO3 faster zooxanthellae living in a mutualistic relationship with coral Five Ways Coral Feed 1.Zooxanthellae are most important source of nutrition 2.Capture zooplankton with stinging nematocysts on tentacles 3.Capture zooplankton with mucus nets 4.Digest organic material outside the body with mesenterial filaments 5.Absorb DOM dissolved organic matter Coral polyp Stinging Nematocysts mesenterial filaments Encrusting Coralline Algae • Deposit of CaCO3 (limestone) add to structure of reef • Forms algal ridge, block waves, prevents erosion • Cements sediments in place,keeps reef from washing away • Food source for fish Encrusting Coralline Algae Encrusting Coralline Algae algal ridge Coral reproduction • Sometimes asexual, cloning • Some corals hermaphroditic….. Some separate sexes • Have mass spawning ex. Great Barrier Reef between Oct- Nov • Larva is called planula larva Budding Budding coral spawning coral spawning Life cycle of a coral polyp coral spawning coral spawning Conditions for reef growth • • • • Shallow clear water Good light Warm water- just right Stable salinity Clear Water Other Reef Builders: • Oysters • Polychete worms • Shells of snails, clams, other mollusks, sea urchins, crustaceans, sponge.
