Overview
Coral reef environments are among the most biologically diverse and productive marine habitats of the ocean ecosystem. The plants and animals live in balance and mutual dependence with one another. However, these fragile environments are at risk by predators and destruction.
The Coral Reef Environment
Coral reefs exist in warm, tropical, shallow salt water, usually around islands and off the eastern coasts of continents. Some well-known examples are the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, and coral reefs around the islands of Hawaii, as well as the Florida Keys. The reef-forming coral animals live in colonies that are made up of their hard skeletons. The water they live in must have the right amount of salt, must be at the right temperature, and must have enough sunlight so that the algae that live with the coral will be able to carry out photosynthesis.
Diversity and Productivity
An average coral reef is the most productive ecosystem, with a diverse collection of plants, animals, fish, and other organisms living together in a relatively small space. For example, coral reefs are made of colonies of coral polyps, which are similar to jellyfish, but have a hard skeleton made of calcium carbonate. Other invertebrates such as sea anemones grow within coral reefs, and many colorful types of fish, jellyfish, and crustaceans live within the area.
Examples of Mutual Dependence
The coral polyps that build the reefs are hosts for forms of algae that make energy by photosynthesis, carry nutrients, and help them build their skeletons. Although sea anemones have multiple stinging tentacles that paralyze their prey, one form of clownfish is immune to their sting and is able to hide within their tentacles. Clownfish guide food particles and smaller organisms to the sea anemone that shelters them.
Predators and Destruction
Many areas where coral reefs once were abundant are dying. Some of its predators include the crown-of-thorns starfish, and carnivorous fish such as triggerfish that chew the coral as it grows. Pollution and nuclear testing, overfishing, poaching, and bleaching present serious problems for coral reef life.
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