By: Martin Arcibal and Teddy Lagrosa Coral Reefs By: Martin Arcibal and Teddy Lagrosa

Physical and Chemical Environment Deep-Sea Corals Shallow reef- building corals Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) skeleton High oxygen levels Solid substrate for attachment Photic Zone (shallow reef-building corals) Aphotic Zone (200-1500 m deep; deep-sea corals)

Temperature and Precipitation Between 18-20°C and 30°C. Precipitation occurs in the area of the biome, not in the biome itself (equatorial zone). Tropical storms cause damage to coral reef structures. Droughts cause coral bleaching (loss of intracellular endosymbionts by either expulsion or loss of algal pigmentation). - increased (or reduced) water temperatures Healthy Bleached Corals Corals

Seasonal Changes Tropical conditions throughout the year are constant. Tropical storm Ida

Plant Species Unicellular algae (provides organic molecules) Micrasterias (unicellular algae) Encrusting Coralline Red Algae Unicellular algae (provides organic molecules) Multicellular red and green algae (contribute substantial photosynthesis)

Animal Species Corals Large variety of fishes and other invertebrates

Special Adaptations Camouflage (cryptic coloration) Pygmy seahorse

Biotic and Abiotic Interactions Unicellular algae provides organic molecules and the corals provide habitats for the algae. (Mutualism) Corals provide habitats for multicellular red and green algae, which perform substantial amounts of photosynthesis, and varying fish and other invertebrate species. (Commensalism) Dominant green algae species on coral reef at Lord Howe Island. Red algae Griffithsia

Locations In the equatorial zone (between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn).

Disturbances Ocean trawling Ocean Blast fishing Trawling Cyanide fishing Acid Precipitation Hurricanes Ocean Trawling Blast Fishing

Coral Reefs Around the World Barrier Reefs in Australia Coral Atoll Fringing Reef

Bibliography