Coral reefs and zooxanthellae relationships

General Botany

Zooxanthellae are

microscopic, single-celled dinoflagellates that live within the tissues of coral polyps

Zooxanthellae are ____, meaning they use sunlight to produce energy

photosynthetic

The relationship between corals and zooxanthellae is ______

mutualistic

The coral polyps provide the zooxanthellae with ….

protection and a stable environment

Zooxanthellae produce ….

oxygen and organic compounds (such as glucose and amino acids)

Coral Polyps also provide _____ and ______ to the zooxanthellae

nitrogen and phosphorus

Coral Bleaching Factors:

high water temperatures, pollution, ocean acidification, reduced light

Coral bleaching occurs when

corals expel zooxanthellae due to stress, leading to a loss of energy and often resulting in coral death if the stress continues