Coral Reefs

These flashcards cover important concepts related to coral reefs, including their ecology, structure, threats, and symbiotic relationships.

Coral Reefs

The most diverse of all marine habitats, structurally complex frameworks built by corals, coralline algae, and sponges.

Scleractinian Corals

Also known as hermatypic corals, these are mostly colonial corals with interconnected polyps and include predators and suspension-feeders.

Zooxanthellae

Dinoflagellate symbionts living within coral tissues, providing carbohydrates to corals and benefiting from protection and nutrients.

Mutualism

A symbiotic relationship where both parties benefit; in this case, corals provide nutrients to zooxanthellae while receiving carbohydrates.

Atolls

Ring-shaped islands formed around subsiding volcanoes, surrounding a lagoon.

Fringing Reefs

Thin layers of coral growing on a hard substrate near coastlines.

Eutrophication

Nutrient enrichment that favors seaweeds over corals, leading to coral smothering.

Corallivores

Organisms that feed on coral, including fish, molluscs, and echinoderms, affecting reef health.

Coral Bleaching

The expulsion of symbiotic zooxanthellae from corals, primarily due to thermal stress.

Ocean Acidification

Decrease in pH of ocean waters due to rising CO2 levels, negatively impacting calcium carbonate deposition.