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

2. 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 ( m deep; deep-sea corals)

3. 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

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

5. 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)

6. Animal Species Corals Large variety of fishes and other invertebrates

7. Special Adaptations
Camouflage (cryptic coloration)
Pygmy seahorse

8. 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

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

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

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

12. Bibliography