Chapter 31.2, Problem 1QTC

Summary Introduction

To write:

The reasons for the biologically diverse coral reef.

Introduction:

Coral is made up of calcium carbonate secreted by soft-bodied animals named coral polyps. The size of the polyp varied from pin size to foot length. Polyps live in symbiotic relationship with Zooxanthellae that gives coral a color.

Zooxanthellae take up carbon dioxide and process it through photosynthesis and give off oxygen and nutrients that are used by the polyp. There are two types of corals hard and soft corals. Coral reefs are made up not only of hard and soft corals but also sponges, crustacean, fish and many more. Competition for the resources is the prime factor that causes the diversity in the coral reefs.