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The areas where there are coral are indicated in red--
Notice that the highest areas of coral reef are found on the east coasts of continents.
Every new generation is built upon the remains of the previous one
New corals attach themselves to the old skeleton and the cycle starts over
Coral reefs take on one of three forms- atoll, barrier, or fringing. The terrain is the coral reefs themseleves.
Adaptations appear in animals because certain shapes and colors create a camouflage.
This helps the animals living in the coral reefs avoid predators.
Stonefish have adapted over time to help it to blend in with its coral reef surroundings.
One adaptation of clownfish is the relationship between the fish and sea anemones. They live inside the sea anemone's stinging tentacles as a way of protection against predators. They are able to live in the sea anemones because of their body mucus. This is also an example of a symbiotic relationship in this biome.
Great Barracuda
Hawksbill
Sea anemones
Sponges
Shoreline plants-- not found in hard coral
An adaptation of these plants is that they grow to protect the coral and keep the coral structurally sound.
Form habitats for a large variety of animals
Found mainly in the areas where hard coral is present
Red algae that helps the structure of coral reefs
Another symbiotic relationship typical of this biome is the way coral reefs obtain nutrients through photosynthesis. This is unique because coral reefs are considered animals.
Reef-building corals often contain photosynthetic algae, called zooxanthellae. The coral provides a safe environment and nutrients for the algae. In exchange, the algae produce oxygen and help dispel wastes. In addition, the algae provides the coral with glucose, glycerol, and amino acids. These are the products of photosynthesis.
These products are useful because the coral uses them to make proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and as the basis for producing calcium carbonate.
Healthy coral with zooxanthellae
Unhealthy coral without zooxanthellae
In a way, coral reefs perform as an example of plants in their biome.
Click here to learn more about coral reefs!
http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=3765bac4-aa4f-4a17-a052-42724140440d
More diverse on east coasts
This is because ocean currents flow clockwise in northern hemisphere but counterclockwise in southern hemispheres
The cold water of ocean currents flows towards the equator, along coastlines, on the eastern sides of oceans
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zooxanthellae
Increase amount of marine fish in reefs