The Coral Reef!By: Carlyn, Arianna, Jonthan and Everett

What is a Coral Reef? Coral Reef - Coral reefs are warm, clear, shallow

ocean habitats that are rich in life.Formed by coral polyps. When polyps die, they

form a hard layer of limestone. 3 types: Fringing reefs – reefs that form along a coastline.Barrier reefs – reefs that grow parallel to a

coastline, but farther out. These are usually separated by a lagoon.

Coral Atolls – rings of coral that form from sunken volcanoes in the ocean.

ClimateAround 70 – 80 degrees Rarely ever changes.The perfect climate is crucial to the coral

reef’s growth. If it changes too drastically, it can be severely damaged.

Common/Key organismsCoral - Coral is crucial for the functions of Coral Reefs. They

provide shelter for fish and other organisms. Coral is also one of the most common organisms in coral reefs.

Sharks – Sharks are a key species in the Coral Reef. Sharks scare organisms from living on the coral, which protects it and keeps it undamaged.

Sea anemone - One of the most populous and most popular, the sea anemone is the perfect organism for the reef. It is most famous for hosting the clownfish which is another common organism.

Damsel Fish - These are one of the most abundant fish in coral reefs. They have many different colors to warn possible predators.

BiodiversityArguably the highest biodiversity in the

world.So many plants and animals that have yet to

be discovered are in Coral Reefs. Over 400 species of Flora (predominantly

seaweed and coral)Over 2,000 species of Fauna (predominantly

fish)

ProductivityAbout 90% of the sponge species contain

bacteria that uses photosynthesis. –zooxanthellae

They produce 3 times as much oxygen than is used in respiration.

NPP in the average coral reef ecosystem is about 1,500 to 5,000 g/c/m per year. This compared to other systems is the highest (due to all of the photosynthetic organisms).

Environmental IssuesClimate change – As temperatures rise, the risk of

coral bleaching and disease increases. Coral bleaching – when a coral gets stressed, it

releases is zooxanthellae (which provides its pigment) and becomes white and unable to produce.

Coral mining – Coral pieces are excavated for road fill or cement. Coral is also mined and sold through jewelry and souvenirs.

Pollution – Any harmful substance (oil, gas, pesticides, trash) that creates nitrogen which causes algae to grow. This blocks the suns rays to get down to the ocean floor.

Global Distribution and LocationsAustralia – Ex. Great Barrier Reef Yucatan Peninsula - Ex. Mesoamerican

Barrier Reef System The Caribbean – Ex. Andros – Bahamas Belize Red Sea Florida Keys

Key Interactions between OrganismsMutualism: All corals and the algae

zooxanthellae. (Corals provide Zooxanthellae a home, and Zooxanthealle provides food and products of Photosynthesis to Coral)

Parasitism: Gnathiid Isopods and the common fish. (Gnathiid sucks the fish’s blood and can create diseases in the fish)

Commensalism: Shrimp and sea urchins. (Ward off Predators by nestling in the venomous spines of sea urchins to avoid being attacked)