fossils 4.2

Vocabulary flashcards focused on key terms and concepts discussed in Lecture 9 about reef-building organisms.

Reef

A ridge of material at or near the surface of the ocean, made of rocks or the skeletons of animals.

Phylum Porifera

The taxonomic group that includes sponges.

Benthic

Referring to organisms that live on the bottom of a body of water.

Sponges

Simplest multicellular animals that lack true organs and have various cell types with individual functions.

Osculum

An opening in a sponge through which water exits.

Filter feeders

Organisms that obtain food by filtering small particles from the water.

Cnidaria

A phylum of multicellular animals that includes corals, jellyfish, and sea anemones.

Coral Polyp

The living form of coral which has tentacles surrounding a mouth and lives in colonies.

Symbiosis

A mutually beneficial relationship between different organisms, such as between corals and zooxanthellae.

Calcification

The process by which corals produce their calcium carbonate skeleton.

Zonation

The distinct layer of the reef environment where different organisms live, often reflecting adaptations to light and water conditions.

Tabulata

An order of corals characterized by having a calcite skeleton and well-developed tabulae.

Scleractinia

An order of corals with an aragonite skeleton and lacking tabulae.

Archaeocyatha

An extinct group of calcareous corals known for their porous walls and being among the first reef-builders.

Stromatolites

Layered sedimentary formations created by the growth of cyanobacteria, significant in early reef-building.

Fringing reef

A reef that forms close to shore, developing in shallow water.

Barrier reef

A reef that runs parallel to the shore but is separated from it by deeper water.

Atoll

A ring-shaped reef that encircles a lagoon partially or completely.

Ecosystem services of reefs

The benefits provided by coral reefs, including supporting biodiversity and protecting coastlines.

Fossil sponges

Rare as complete fossils, but spicules are common in fossil records, especially in Palaeozoic strata.

Polyps

Individual organisms that make up coral colonies, each with tentacles used for feeding.

Spicules

Small, needle-like structures in sponges that provide structural support.

Environmental indicators

Organisms or features that reflect environmental conditions, such as light and temperature, often used in assessing reef health.