1. Coral Reefs

2. A relationship in which 2 dissimilar organisms depend on each other
Symbiosis
A relationship in which 2 dissimilar organisms depend on each other

3. Reef Partnerships

4. Mutualism
When both species benefit

5. Commensalism Parasitism
1 species benefits and there is a neutral impact on the other
1 species benefits and the other is harmed

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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 HELP.

10. Where are Coral Reefs Found?
What do you notice about the location of Coral Reefs?

11. Most Reefs are located along the equator & on the Western Side of Ocean Basins

12. 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!

13. What Conditions do Coral Reefs Need to Survive?
Salinity: ppt
Moderate water motion
Clear water
Zooxanthellae need the sunlight
Low nutrients
so zooxanthellae can photosynthesize

14. 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

15. Economic Importance/Tourism
Fishing, diving, hotels, restaurants, etc.
Approximately $375 billion/yr industry (reefs make up less than 1% of the Earth’s surface)

16. Brainstorm a list of threats to coral reefs

17. 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

18. Anthropogenic Threats
Pollution
Overfishing
Trawling
Collecting live corals for the aquarium trade
Dynamite & cyanide
Mining coral for building materials

19. Coral Diseases Coral Bleaching
When water is too warm, corals will expel the zooxanthellae causing the corals to turn completely white.

20. 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.

21. 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.

23. 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.

24. 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

26. Fringing Reefs

27. Barrier Reefs

28. Atoll Reefs