2. Ecology of Reefs:
Richest marine ecosystem but surrounding oceans are poor in nutrients ---- little primary production.

3. Nutrients are recycled on the reef which makes it very efficient.
Algae is everywhere which gives reefs the highest primary productivity of any marine community.

4. Most “plants” are cryptic (hidden/ inconspicuous)
Zooxanthellae
Phytoplankton
Filamentous algae in limestone

5. D. Hidden microalgae / sea grass in crevices
E. Turf algae

6. F. Cyanobacteria (blue green algae)

7. G. Coralline algae

8. Most important primary producers are zooxanthellae and turf algae
Mutualistic symbiotic associations with zooxanthellae

9. Other nutrients cycling:
Sponges, clams and other invertebrates have symbiotic algae and recycle nutrients