Coral Reefs Flashcards
Ecosystem
An area where one or more communities of loving organisms interact with the non living environment to produce a stable system.
Where are coral reefs found and what conditions do they need to grow?
They are found in tropical waters that are shallow, warm, clean, clear and sunlit.
How are coral reefs built?
They are built by tiny invertebrates called polyps (these corals belong to the phylum Cnidarian). Coral polyps feed on microscopic algae called zooplankton. Each polyp then secretes an exoskeleton made out of limestone (CaCo3). These exoskeletons join together to form a coral colony which forms a coral reef.
How longs does coral reefs take to grow?
Reefs grow very slowly (about 1 cm a year). New coral colonies constantly build on top of dead colonies. But the rate is extremely slow due to competition for zooplankton. Fish excretion helps to build up the reef.
Zooxanthellae and Coral polyps
Zooxanthellae are algae that live inside coral. They get protection from the coral, while the coral gets food from the algae. Zooxanthellae make their own food through photosynthesis, providing oxygen and color to the coral. They also help the coral build their hard outer skeleton. This relationship between zooxanthellae and coral is called symbiosis or mutualism.
Destructive forces that harm reefs
Forces that destroy the coral reefs.
-Harsh waves: breaks coral reefs
-Crown of Thorns Starfish: nibbles at the reef
-Sunscreen: kills corals
-Fuel from boats: pollutes the water and destroys coral
-Boat anchors: destroy corals
Producers in a coral reef
- Seaweed
- Phytoplankton
- Seagrass
- Zooxanthellae
Adaption
The process in which a species becomes better suited to survive in the environment. Adaptions can be physical or behavioural.
Coral Bleaching
When a coral becomes stressed they expel their algae.
Sustainability
Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
Global Warming
A gradual increase in average global temperature
Sediments
Particles of rock and sand
Pesticides
Chemicals used on plants that do not harm the plants, but kill pests.
Fertiliser
A substance added to soil to enhance the growth of plants.
