2. What is a Coral Reef? A. An ecosystem formed by millions of coral organisms called polyps i. A system of interconnected elements, formed by the interaction of a community of organisms within their environment ii. Genetically identical invertebrate clones that share digestive and nervous systems iii. Capture prey with stinging tentacles called nematocyst within specialized cells called cnidocytes iv. Sessile v. Live in tropical waters close to the surface where sun can reach algae vi. Cover less than 1% of ocean floor, but support 25% of all marine creatures B. Two organisms responsible for building coral reef i. Corals ii. Protista

3. Coral Symbiosis A. Zooxanthellae are single-celled algae that live within coral and give coral its color B. Photosynthesis allows algae to give off oxygen and nutrients that are consumed by the coral C. Polyp provides carbon dioxide for algae

4. Coral Polyp A. Translucent animals with microscopic algae called zooxantellae living in them B. Place for zooxantellae to live C. Limestone skeleton called calicle D. Reef forms when a polyp attaches itself to a rock on the sea floor then buds thousands of clones that are connected creating a colony that acts like a single organism E. Colonies grow over hundreds and thousands of years, joining with other colonies to become reefs

5. Types of Coral Reefs A. Fringing i. Closest to coastline ii. Youngest geologically iii. Grows outward from shore with a lagoon in between B. Barrier i. Parallel to coastline separated by a deep lagoon ii. 1-25 miles long, 60+ feet deep C. Atoll i. Open sea reef in ring, oval, or horseshoe shape

6. Types of Coral Lettuce Coral Gorgonian Brain Coral Fire Coral Branching Coral

7. Coral Reefs in Belize A. Belize’s Barrier Reef i. 155 miles long ii. Second longest reef in the world iii. Begins at border of Belize and Mexico and continues to Guatemala iv. Variety of habitats 1) Coral reef 2) Offshore cayes 3) Mangrove lagoons

8. Invertebrates in the Coral Reef Upside-down JellySpotted Eagle RayDonkey Dung Sea Cucumber Cushion Sea StarSpiny LobsterReef Squid

9. Vertebrates in the Coral Reef French Grunt Gray Angelfish Smooth Trunkfish Queen Angelfish Blue Tang

10. Mangroves A. Nursery and protection for fish, crustaceans, sponges, and corals B. Filters runoff to prevent destruction of coral C. Food source

11. Threats to Coral A. Trash B. Invasive species i. Lionfish C. Diseases i. Bleaching due to temperature change or pollution D. Overfishing E. Tourism i. Cruise ships bring in 100+ snorkelers at a time with poorly trained guides 1) Touch and damage coral 2) Drag gear along sandy bottom creating a dusting over coral which locals have to clean off

12. Works Cited  Humann, P., & DeLoach, N. (2002). Reef Fish Identification: Florida, Caribbean and Bahamas (3 rd ed., p. 10, 14-15, 94-95, 138). Jacksonville, Fla.: New World Publications.  Idaz, J., Greenberg, M., & Young, M. (2007). Fishwatcher’s Field Guide. Seahawk Press.  Kaplan, E. (1982). Peterson’s Field Guides: Coral Reefs Caribbean and Florida. (p. 10). New York: Houghton Mifflin Company.  Corals, Coral Pictures, Coral Facts-National Geographic. (n.d.). Retrieved January 23, 2015, from http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/cor al/  A. Sabal, Personal Interview, January 19, 2015.