Coral Reefs
A relationship in which 2 dissimilar organisms depend on each other Symbiosis A relationship in which 2 dissimilar organisms depend on each other
Reef Partnerships
Mutualism When both species benefit
Commensalism Parasitism 1 species benefits and there is a neutral impact on the other 1 species benefits and the other is harmed
What is the Relationship Between the Pairs of Organisms? Sea Anemone & Clownfish Potato Cod & Wrasse Hermit Crab & Anemone Alpheid Shrimp & Goby Manta Ray & Remora/suckerfish Parrotfish & Goldlined Rabbitfish Sponge crab & sea sponge
Reef Relationships Research the pair of organisms Record the relationship between the two (in complete sentences) Include the type of symbiosis in your description – is this an example of mutualism, parasitism or commensalism? Create a Help Wanted Ad for each organism
Wanted Brain Coral Zooxanthellae Photosynthetic partners needed immediately! Global warming threatens health of reef. Volunteers needed to aid in fight for survival. If available, report to any reef building corals immediately. Have you recently lost your helper algae? Free-floating algae available and interested in “settling down” in the tropics. If you or a loved one are in need of assistance, call toll free at 1-800-HELP.
Where are Coral Reefs Found? What do you notice about the location of Coral Reefs?
Most Reefs are located along the equator & on the Western Side of Ocean Basins
Huh? “Coral reefs require clear, nutrient-poor water, but they are among the most productive and diverse marine environments” (Barnes, 1987). Work with a partner to answer the question on the back of your chart!
What Conditions do Coral Reefs Need to Survive? Salinity: 32-42 ppt Moderate water motion Clear water Zooxanthellae need the sunlight Low nutrients so zooxanthellae can photosynthesize
Why are Coral Reefs Important? Protect shorelines against wave action Prevent erosion Support more species per unit area than any other marine ecosystem Used to make drugs/medicines
Economic Importance/Tourism Fishing, diving, hotels, restaurants, etc. Approximately $375 billion/yr industry (reefs make up less than 1% of the Earth’s surface)
Brainstorm a list of threats to coral reefs
Natural Threats Predation Weather related damage Tidal emersions Long periods of exceptionally low tides when corals are exposed (sun can dry out corals causing them to become stressed) El Nino Can lead to Increased sea surface temps, decreased sea level & increased salinity
Anthropogenic Threats Pollution Overfishing Trawling Collecting live corals for the aquarium trade Dynamite & cyanide Mining coral for building materials
Coral Diseases Coral Bleaching When water is too warm, corals will expel the zooxanthellae causing the corals to turn completely white.
Black Band Disease A bacteria that destroys live tissue as it moves over the surface of the coral colonies exposing them to hydrogen sulfide Leaves a bare white skeleton May kill entire colonies in a matter of months, however colonies have been known to recover after the black band disappears.
Potential Coral Uses Sunscreen Pill (Research from Australia) Together, the algae & coral make a compound that protects them from UV damage Fish that feed on the coral also benefit from sunscreen protection.
Types of Reefs Coral reefs form when free swimming larvae attach to submerged rocks or other hard surfaces along the edges of islands or continents. As the coral grows and expands, it will take on 1 of 3 forms: fringing, barrier or atoll.
Directions: Divide a piece of paper into 3 sections: For each: Fringing Reefs Barrier Reefs Atolls For each: Draw a detailed (color) picture Describe the characteristics of that type of reef in complete sentences
Fringing Reefs
Barrier Reefs
Atoll Reefs