Coral Reefs Flashcards
What is the coral reef near Australia called?
Great Barrier Reef
How many countries have coral reefs in their waters?
109
What is the ideal temperature for coral reefs to grow?
Average 18 degrees and over
Ideal = 23-25 degrees
Where are coral reefs found?
In the tropics
Why do coral reefs need light to grow?
They feed on tiny algae and algae needs light to photosynthesise
Why are coral reefs found in relatively shallow water?
So there is maximum light available
What water do coral reefs survive best in?
Clear, unpolluted water
Why aren’t coral reefs found near the river mouth?
Because there is a lot of sediment
What is the nutrient cycle?
It’s the flow of nutrients (foods) within an ecosystem
What nutrient water do corals live in?
Nutrient-poor water
What is a symbiotic relationship?
Organisms that live together; one or both of the organisms may benefit from this arrangement
Where do Zooxanthellae live?
Within the tissues of the coral polyp
What is Zooxanthellae?
Plant like algae
What are Zooxanthellae able to do?
Harness the light from the sun, converting it into energy to provide nutrients to the corals
How do Zooxantellae benefit?
They have an exclusive access to the waste nutrients (nitrogen + phosporus) produced by the coral. These fertilize the algae
