Difference Between Polyp And Medusa

Both of these groups have an external radial symmetry. Cnidarians have a single opening that acts as both mouth and anus and is generally surrounded by nematocyte-bearing tentacles (Steele and Technau; 2011).

Most reef-building corals contain photosynthetic algae, termed zooxanthellae, that live in their tissues. The corals and algae have a mutualistic association. The coral provides the algae a environment and compound

Coral reefs exist all over the world and are generally known as being one of the most diverse, intricate and beautiful of all existing marine habitats. They have many varying structures which are developed by algae and are symbiotic with various reef building corals which are referred to as, zooxanthellae (algae). There are many other factors such as, coralline algae, sponges and other various organisms that are combined with a number of cementation processes which also contribute to reef growth, (CORAL REEFS, 2015).

Coral reefs are the most biodiverse ecosystem on the planet. There are more than 25,000 known species of organisms and countless others that have yet to be identified (Helvarg, 2000). Reefs thrive on the shallow edge of tropical seas, most often on the eastern edge of continents along warm water currents that brush the coasts. Reefs cannot live in cold waters and are limited by ocean depth and available sunlight. Coral is the foundation of the reef community, providing a three-dimensional structure where thousands of species of vertebrates and invertebrates live and feed. Some species of coral are hard, while others soft. Some are branched, yet others are compact and rounded. Coral is made up of large

First, I am going to talk about the importance of coral reefs. Coral reefs are some of the most diverse and valuable ecosystems on Earth. They are home to 4,000 species of fish, 800 species of hard coral, and hundreds of other species. Scientists believe that there are another 1 to 8 million unidentified species (NOAA). According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, new drugs are being developed from

Primary producers produce their own nutrients, and make their own food through photosynthesis. Those organisms are plankton and sea weeds. The second on trophic levels are the secondary consumers such as smaller fish and sea urchins. Third on the trophic levels are decomposers. Decomposers are lobsters and sea turtles. Tertiary consumers are the top of the food chain, they are sharks and bigger fish. Predation is major in a coral reef because there is so much food supply. Mimicry is used to keep the predators away but wearing bright

Oyster reefs, giant populations of oysters, provide habitats for many other types of organisms such as worms, snails, sea squirts, sponges, small crabs, and fishes.

There are many different types of reefs but the most common type of reef is the Fringing Reef. There are also many different types of species that live in this reef. There are tons of different species of fish that live in large groups and come in all different colors. Although, the two main groups of fish that live in this reef are vertebrates and invertebrates. Among the different types of vertebrates living in this reef includes Fish, Sea Snakes, Sea Turtles, Dugongs, and Manatees. These are the only fish that usually swim in large groups. Among the coral reef the invertebrates, which is the most common group of different types of living in this reef, are the constructors and

A coral structure is actually made up of hundreds - thousands of tiny little animals all growing together as a colony. These polyps are the makers of the coral reef and have accumulated over thousands of years to make up the largest living structures in the world. The anemones, which go along with the corals, are typically partnered with clownfish. In this relationship both animals work together in order to benefit each other. The anemone will provide protection for the clownfish, while the clownfish provides food for the anemone (seasky).

Jellyfish can be seen in freshwater and saltwater inhabiting everywhere it goes. Some may see jellyfish depicted in media such as the television show “SpongeBob SquarePants” as a fun recreational sport of catching Jellyfish in butterfly nets. Though most may recognize the creatures as your worse nightmare on a beach and avoiding getting stung by them. However, researchers and explorers have found effects that jellyfish have on impacting the ecosystem and life style of others. These findings have shown a divide between the benefits and negative outcomes they have.

Some large school of fish can be found looking for food, such as the schoolmasters and the sergeant majors. During the day that is when the coral polyps are the busiest, because the spiny lobsters and long-spined black urchins hide In It. At the night time, that is when they come out to get their own food. Fish that live near the coral polyps are usually very colorful. There are lagoons in between barrier reef and the shoreline. The lagoon has calm water and has sand on the bottom. Lagoons are usually covered in turtle grass and green algae. But enough talking about lagoons. The coral polyps issue is the death of the corals worldwide.

b. Describe the homologus trait of each species, focusing on the differences in structure and function of the trait. Why do these homologus traits exhibit differences between the two species? Make sure your explanation is clear and complete.

The most famous interspecific relationship of the great barrier reef is that of the clownfish and the sea anemone. Their relationship is mutualism/symbiotic. The sea anemone is a sea predator that likes to eat fish. The clownfish on the other hand is a relatively small fish that is usually hunted by bigger fish. So to survive in the dangerous reef environment the clownfish evolved to produce a layer of mucus on its skin to be immune to the anemones deadly sting. Therefore the clown fish can live in the anemone. Now the fish that want to eat the clownfish get stung and then eaten by the anemone. The clown fish also protect the anemone by chasing off polyp-eating fish such as butterfly fish as well as giving the anemone a cleaning by eating the algae on it. So the anemone receives food and in return the clown fish gets protection making the interspecific relationship

Cnidarians (or coelenterates), including sea anemones, jellyfish, and corals, are built mostly of sheets of cells, and they exploit the large surface area of the

     Coral reefs are one of the oldest types of living systems on earth, and certainly one of the most spectacular (Goreau, 1987). They are massive underwater structures formed by the limestone skeletons of tiny invertebrate animals. Reefs house a greater diversity of body forms, chemistry, and animal phyla (thirty-two compared to the eight that inhabit the most biodiversity ecosystems on land). Phyla comprise the second largest category of living things, after kingdoms.