Coral Reefs (main)

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Coral Reefs


Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.


Coral reef refers to a marine ecosystem in which the main organisms are corals that house algal symbionts, called zooxanthelae, within their tissues. The algae photosynthesize and share this energy with the corals in exchange for protection and access to light. Coral reefs are some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world and are therefore often referred to as the "rainforests of the ocean". Because coral reefs are sensitive to such factors as siltation, water pollution, water temperature, salinity and other chemical and physical factors, they can serve as indicators of environmental change.

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A coral reef generally is a marine ecosystem in which the principal organisms are corals that harbour algal symbionts within their tissues. These ecosystems require: 1) fully marine waters; 2) warm temperatures; and 3) ample sunlight (Solar radiation). They are therefore restricted to shallow waters of tropical and subtropical regions.
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