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Coral Reef Ecosystems

Exploring the life cycle of coral larvae, this overview delves into their settlement and survival strategies. It also examines the contributions of various organisms to reef building, including corals, algae, and bivalves. The text addresses Darwin's paradox, highlighting the nutrient cycling and acquisition that allow coral reefs to thrive in nutrient-poor waters, and the oceanographic influences that support their biodiversity.

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1

Coral offspring, known as ______, must find the right base to attach to after entering the sea, a crucial step for the continuation of their species.

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planulae

2

During their search for a home, coral ______ are guided by sounds from reefs at greater distances and by chemical signals when nearer to a site.

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larvae

3

Role of coralline algae in reef stability

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Coralline algae solidify reefs with calcareous crust, protecting against waves.

4

Sponges' historical significance in reefs

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Sclerosponges part of reefs since Cambrian era, modern role diminished.

5

Bivalves' contribution to marine ecosystems

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Oysters form oyster reefs, crucial habitats; rudists were Cretaceous reef builders.

6

The term '______' refers to the high levels of ______ and ______ in an area that appears to have insufficient nutrients.

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Darwin's paradox biodiversity productivity

7

Coral reefs are home to a variety of marine species, including ______, sustained by complex ______.

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large predatory fish food webs

8

At the foundation of these food chains are ______, which include organisms like ______ and ______.

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primary producers phytoplankton seaweed

9

Despite the lack of nutrients in the surface waters, coral reefs manage to support a high level of ______, accommodating numerous ______.

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biomass production species

10

Nutrient cycling in coral reefs

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Coral reefs recycle nutrients internally, minimizing reliance on external sources.

11

Corals' nutrient acquisition at night

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Corals capture zooplankton with tentacles at night to obtain nitrogen.

12

Sponges' role in coral nutrient intake

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Sponges filter phytoplankton, release nutrients in forms usable by corals.

13

Internal waves, tides, and ______ currents can cause upwelling in coral reefs.

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wind-driven

14

Upwelling transports ______-rich deep waters to the surface, affecting coral reefs.

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nutrient

15

The upwelling can change the ______ and nutrient profiles within coral reef environments.

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temperature

16

Coral reefs overcome the nutrient scarcity of tropical waters through the interaction of physical processes and ______ activities.

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biological

17

The extraordinary ______ and productivity of coral reefs are sustained by their ability to transcend nutrient limitations.

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biodiversity

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Mechanisms of Coral Larvae Settlement and Survival

Coral larvae, or planulae, face a critical phase of their life cycle as they seek suitable substrates for settlement after being released into the ocean. This settlement process is essential for the perpetuation of coral species and can last from days to weeks. To navigate toward favorable habitats, planulae utilize environmental cues such as reef-generated sounds, which are especially important at long distances, and chemical signals when closer to potential settlement sites. Despite these sophisticated orientation mechanisms, the survival rate of coral larvae is low due to predation and harsh environmental conditions. Only a small proportion of planulae successfully secure themselves to a substrate, where they must then compete for resources to grow and eventually contribute to the reef structure and its biodiversity.
Vivid underwater scene of a coral reef with colorful fish, colorful corals and coral larvae, illuminated by sun rays.

Contributions of Various Organisms to Reef Building

Coral reefs are complex ecosystems built not only by corals but also by other calcifying organisms such as coralline algae, certain sponges, and bivalves. These organisms contribute to the reef's structure by depositing calcium carbonate. Coralline algae, for example, solidify the reef by creating a calcareous crust that protects against wave action, despite their slower growth rate compared to corals. Sponges, including sclerosponges, have been part of reef ecosystems since the Cambrian era, although their role in modern reefs is less pronounced. Bivalves, like oysters, form extensive colonies called oyster reefs, which are vital for the survival of many marine species. The now-extinct rudist bivalves were once the dominant reef builders during the Cretaceous period, flourishing in conditions that were challenging for corals.

Resolving Darwin's Paradox in Coral Reefs

Coral reefs are highly productive ecosystems located in nutrient-poor tropical waters, a situation that Charles Darwin observed and which later became known as "Darwin's paradox." The paradox is the existence of such biodiversity and productivity in an environment that seems to lack the necessary nutrients. Coral reefs support diverse marine life, including large predatory fish, through intricate food webs. The base of these food webs consists of primary producers such as phytoplankton, seaweed, and turf algae. Despite the scarcity of nutrients in the surface waters, coral reefs achieve remarkable levels of biomass production, supporting a wide variety of species.

Nutrient Cycling and Acquisition in Coral Reefs

Coral reefs exhibit exceptional nutrient cycling and acquisition strategies that enable them to flourish in oligotrophic conditions. These ecosystems minimize the need for external nutrient sources by recycling nutrients internally. Corals absorb inorganic nutrients directly from the water and supplement their diet by capturing zooplankton with their tentacles at night, thus obtaining vital nitrogen. Sponges also contribute by filtering out phytoplankton and releasing nutrients in forms that corals can utilize. The physical structure of coral reefs, with their intricate surfaces, disrupts the boundary layer of water around them, enhancing nutrient exchange with the surrounding water and promoting the health of the reef.

Oceanographic Influences on Coral Reef Nutrient Supply

Oceanographic processes play a crucial role in the nutrient dynamics of coral reefs. Phenomena such as internal waves, tides, and wind-driven currents can induce upwelling, which brings nutrient-rich deep waters to the surface. This upwelling can significantly alter the temperature and nutrient profiles within the reef environment. The interplay between these physical processes and the biological activities of the reef's inhabitants allows coral reefs to transcend the nutrient limitations of tropical waters, thereby sustaining their extraordinary biodiversity and productivity.