Lecture 21: Coral Reefs: Definition, Biology, and Conservation

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to coral reefs, their biology, ecology, and the threats they face.

Coral Reefs

Marine ecosystems found in warm, shallow waters, typically up to 30-40 meters deep.

Subtidal Zone

The area of the ocean where coral reefs are most commonly located.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in coral reefs, crucial for the health of marine ecosystems.

Sponges

Simple organisms that lack organized tissues and play a key role in coral reef ecosystems.

Cnidarians

A diverse group including jellyfish and anemones, significant for coral reef ecosystems.

Polyp

The sessile form of cnidarians that anchors to surfaces, such as in corals and anemones.

Medusa

The mobile form of cnidarians, often seen in jellyfish.

Hydrozoa

A class of cnidarians that includes colonial species like fire corals.

Anthozoa

A class of cnidarians that includes corals and anemones, key builders of reef structures.

Scleractinia

Also known as stony corals, primary builders of coral reefs with calcium carbonate skeletons.

Feeding Mechanism of Cnidarians

Equipped with stinging cells (nematocysts) for capturing prey.

Mutualistic Relationship

The symbiotic interaction between corals and zooxanthellae for photosynthesis.

Crustaceans

Group of invertebrates including shrimps, lobsters, and crabs found in coral reefs.

Annelids

Segmented worms, such as polychaetes, contributing to reef diversity.

Echinoderms

Marine invertebrates including sea stars and sea cucumbers associated with coral reefs.

Functional Diversity

The variety of roles different invertebrates play within reef ecosystems.

Hermatypic Corals

Corals that build and contribute significantly to reef structures.

Fringing Reefs

Reefs closest to shore, characterized by a steep slope.

Barrier Reefs

Reefs that are separated from the shore by a lagoon.

Atolls

Ring-shaped coral reefs formed from submerged volcanic islands.

Patch Reefs

Isolated reefs found within barrier reef areas.

Food Web

Complex network of interactions and dependencies among organisms in coral reefs.

Cleaner Relationships

Mutualism where certain fish clean parasites off other fish.

Coral Bleaching

Loss of symbiotic zooxanthellae due to stress, leading to coral whitening.

Climate Change Impact

Increased frequency of coral bleaching events linked to global warming.

Nutrient Runoff

Pollutants entering ocean waters, causing algal blooms that threaten coral reefs.

Overfishing

Depleting fish populations, disrupting the ecological balance of coral reefs.

Global Warming

The long-term increase in Earth's average temperature affecting coral health.

Sedimentation

Accumulation of soil and debris that can smother coral reefs.

Ecosystem Requirements

Specific thermal, light, and depth conditions necessary for coral reef survival.

Human Impact

The adverse effects of human activities on coral reef ecosystems.

Conservation Strategies

Methods aimed at mitigating stressors to protect coral reefs.

Zooxanthellae

Dinoflagellates that live symbiotically with corals, providing nutrition through photosynthesis.

Mortality Rates

Statistics indicating the death rate of coral populations due to environmental stress.

Chronic Stressors

Long-term environmental conditions negatively affecting coral resilience.

Acute Stressors

Short-term disturbances leading to immediate impacts on coral health.

Reef Resilience

The ability of coral reefs to recover from disturbances and environmental changes.