Coral Reef Period 1

A good example of a relationship that demonstrates commensalism is between the Imperial Shrimp (Periclimenes imperator) and large sea cucumbers. The Imperial Shrimp will ride on the sea cucumbers, receiving transportation. The sea cucumber helps serves as a transporter to food sources. The imperial shrimp is able to ride on the sea cucumber, getting exposed to larger areas with more potential food sources while using less energy.

Mutualism exists between Hermatypic (reef-building) corals and zooxanthellae or coral polyps. The zooxanthellae live inside the Hermatypic coralÕs tissue. The zooxanthellae consume the waste products of the coral and turn the waste into substances usable by the coral for growth and maintenance. It is certain death for the coral if there is an absence of the zooxanthellae for too long.

The Fish Doctor, a type of parasite, will attach itself under the fins, scales, or gills of a fish. It then sucks the blood of the host fish until it dies.

Coral lives a symbiotic life. Inside the sac of each coral polyp lives a one-celled algae called zooxanthellae (zoo-zan-thel-y). The algae gives off oxygen and other nutrients that the coral polyp needs to live and in return the polyp gives the algae carbon dioxide and other substances the algae needs. That is why coral reefs grow so near the surface of the water where it is the sunniest--the algae need sunshine for photosynthesis.

"Coral polyps are tiny, soft-bodied organisms related to sea anemones and jellyfish. At their base is a hard, protective limestone skeleton called a calicle, which forms the structure of coral reefs."

Found this excerpt somewhere, "Coral reefs also are vulnerable to disease outbreaks. The onset of disease generally is a response to biotic and/or abiotic stresses. Biotic stress factors include the presence of bacteria, fungi, protozoa and possibly viruses. Abiotic stress factors-physical and chemical changes-include increased sea-surface temperatures, ultraviolet radiation, and nutrient input or other pollutants "

Lot of fun-facts, such as "Threats to the world's coral reefs include: Pollution Disease Over-fishing Dynamite and cyanide fishing Sedimentation Bleaching caused by rising ocean temperatures"

"...This means that temperature and climate in the great barrier reef is sub-tropical in the south, getting more tropical as you head north. Unlike temperate regions, tropical and sub-tropical regions don't experience the four seasons; instead there are just two - a wet season and dry season."

Native animals, migration, weather, size...it has a lot of stuff...

"Coral reefs are colonies of billions of tiny jelly-like individual creatures that have joined together to form colonies which have been built up slowly over thousands of years."

A good thing to talk about in the exhibit is habitat destruction. Coral Bleaching is one topic on the subject.

"Bleaching may be caused by a number of stresses or environmental changes, including disease, excess shade, increased levels of ultraviolet radiation, sedimentation, pollution, salinity changes, exposure to air by low tides or low sea level, and increased temperatures. Coral bleaching is most often associated with increased sea surface temperatures, as corals tolerate only a narrow temperature range of between about 77 and 84°F (25-29°C)."