Oceans - Coral Reef Ecosystems Kwongs side Flashcards
What are corals?
A type of invertebrate
What is polyp like?
A sac like animal (few millimetres in diameter)
How do some corals catch their food?
Using small stinging tentacles
How do most corals live?
In symbiosis with algae
What is the algae known as?
Zooxanthellae
What do polyps feed on?
Algae release food via photosynthesis and the polyps feed on it
How do algae benefit from the coral?
Sheltered within the hard coral skeleton and obtain minerals
How do corals get their colour?
Algae contain pigments
What temperatures do corals ideally require?
26 degrees no less than 18
What water depth do corals require?
25m or less
What salinity do corals require?
Salinity levels greater than 30 -32 ppt
Why do corals require light?
Algae need to photosynthesise
Why do corals need clear water?
Sediment reduces the light available for photosynthesis + clogs up feeding tubes
How much wave action does the coral reefs require?
- So water well oxygenated
What happens if temps rise to limit?
Relationship between coral polyp and algae is disturbed
