Essay on Rainforests of the Ocean

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

Corals are tiny immobile animals that live in colonies, where each cluster is called a polyp. Different species build structures of various sizes and shapes, such as brain or fan coral, creating a diverse and complex ecosystem (EPA 2000). Nearly all reef-dwelling corals have a symbiotic (mutually beneficial) relationship with the algae, which live inside the coral polyps and perform photosynthesis, a process that produces food that is shared with the coral (Fagoonee 1999). In addition, the algae share its

The Ocean is a miraculous place filled to the brim with foreign creatures and wondrous wildlife. From the Great Orcas of the Antarctic waters to the minuscule plankton, these marine life conquer the ocean's depths, but it's not just the creatures that reside here. Coral occupy their fair share of space upon the ocean's floor filling the waters with their glamour and residential charm for those in search of shelter.

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 bleaching is normally characterized by the expulsion of the zooxanthellae algae, loss of algal pigmentation, or both. Coral bleaching events have had serious effects on corals and reefs worldwide. What is crucial to the understanding of zooxanthellae expulsion and bleaching is how the density of zooxanthellae within the coral is changing, if at all, under the prevailing range of environmental conditions (Gates and Edmunds, 1999). Over the last twenty years, there has been a dramatic increase in both the frequency and intensity of coral bleaching events. Sixty major bleaching events have been reported between 1960 and 1979, whereas only nine were reported prior to 1979 (Huppert and Stone, 1998). Given the dependence of the coral on this symbiotic algae, it is important to determine the cause of these bleaching events. According to Helvarg (2000, p.12):

Since early 1998, climate change has been demonstrating its effects in increasing the ocean 's temperature (West & Salm, 2003). Warm water stress corals causing the phenomenon known as coral bleaching, by which expulsion of colourful symbiotic algae the zooxanthellae, vital for

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

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).

living in their bodies. These plants help feed the corals, soak up their wastes and

One of the most diverse and biologically rich marine ecosystems is the coral reef. Almost every ecosystem has a greater purpose, coral reef are no exception. For instance they serve as barriers for hurricanes, and other catastrophic storms, their chemicals treat diseases, and one of the most important function is they are a major source of food for humans. But that is just the benefits for humans, they provide shelter and food for numerous organisms, such as fish, turtles, dolphins, and several other marine life.

Although bleaching can be found in animals, it is most notable in corals. These species have a symbiotic relationship with the yellow-brown colored zooxanthellae from the genus Symbiodinium (Douglas ). Figure 3 shows the

This is considered to be the most common form of asexual reproduction, due to the rather abrupt formation of new polyp buds, many completing the budding cycle within three to four days, given the proper conditions. Environmental conditions influencing the production of polyps during the budding process includes temperature and the availability of food and nutrients for the forming polyp. Generally, asexually reproducing coral undergoing the budding process first start to divide and form two different polyp mouths, which clearly demonstrate where the separation will occur. Once the new polyp grows into the right size, the two polyps will complete division, ending in two different polyp buds.

There are many different varieties of coral, each varying in structure. There are Four classes of species of coral, each has its own method of harvesting. One species of coral is LPS and SPS, which means large-polyp stoney and small-polyp stoney. Aquarists write articles informing people about the structure of frogspawn coral, “ they are LPS corals that develop multiple branching heads connected to a single trunk like structure” (Gosnell, 82). Frogspawn is a

The coral reefs are part of the Animalia kingdom. According to an article called “ Cold, Dark, and Lonely: Deep-Water Corals Thrive Where The Sun Never Shines”, “algae tend to grow inside corals for oxygen and they require clean and warm waters for survival” (Cairn, 2014).

      Coral reefs are continuously being both built up and decomposed, so different parts of a reef are in varying stages of succession (Richmond, 1993). Coral reefs are very fragile, because reef-building organisms cannot thrive if the surrounding water changes significantly. Coral reefs require very specific conditions in order to grow: a solid structure for the base; warm and consistent water temperatures (averaging between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius); stable salinity; moderate wave action; and clear water that is low in nutrients and plankton. The water on a healthy coral reef is clear because there are very few nutrients, so plankton that would cloud the water are few. In general corals grow slowly, but they are extremely efficient at living and reproducing in these conditions (American Zoologist, pg 524-536).