Coral Reef Ecosystem

Coral Reef

Julie R. Turner

AIU

Abstract

One of the most beautiful ecosystems on Earth is the coral reef. These ecosystems are often home to thousands of species of plants and animals. Abiotic components include temperature, light and water salinity. Biotic components are the living creatures that inhabit the coral reefs. The components play a key role in the carbon cycle, which is the “circle of life”. Natural and human-related disturbances threaten to disrupt the healthy balance of this ecosystem. Humans can make a conscious effort not to cause further harm by limiting pollution, and other damaging actions.

Coral Reef

One of the more beautiful ecosystems in existence is the coral reef. Formed through the symbiotic relationship between animals and algae, the coral reef is one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet, often hosting thousands of species. The largest coral reef on Earth, spanning 2600 km, is the Great Barrier Reef, located off the coast of Australia. The Great Barrier Reef is home to over 1500 species of fish, 400 types of coral, 20 varieties of reptiles and 200 different types of birds (Great Barrier Reef Facts, 2016). Other, smaller coral reefs can be found off the Florida Keys, as well as near Hawaii, and several other tropical areas.

Abiotic Components

Coral reefs are affected by living (biotic) and nonliving (abiotic) factors. The proper balance of these factors helps to ensure the health of the reef. One abiotic factor of the coral reef is temperature. A consistent ocean temperature is vital for the health of the coral polyps that make up a coral reef. Fluctuations in temperature can cause stress to the polyps, which in turn, causes the loss of algae, leading to the coral losing its color (Climate Threats, 2011). Another abiotic factor is light. Light is essential for photosynthesis to occur. Without adequate light, the organism zooxanthellae would not be able to process carbon dioxide to provide important nutrients and oxygen to the coral polyps (Coral Reef Ecosystems, 2009). A third abiotic factor essential to coral reefs is the salinity of the water. The coral which makes up the reefs prefer water with a salinity level of normal ocean water, or 34-36 ppt (parts per thousand). While some corals can live in higher or lower salinity levels, the lifespan for these corals is shortened and diversity is reduced (Sheppard, Davy, & Pilling, 2009).

Biotic Components

Biotic components of the Great Barrier Reef, as well as other coral reefs are coral, bacteria, plants and animals that inhabit the reefs. Coral, which consists of polyps, is the primary component of a coral reef. Polyps are tiny animals that live within shells primarily made of calcium carbonate. After the polyp dies, the shells are left behind and the structure of the reef is formed. Coral can be in one of four different shapes: antler, plate, fan or brain. Bacteria that is present in and around the coral reefs help break down the dead organic matter, which is converted into energy. The bacteria get assistance with this process from of the plants, such as algae and seaweed, which use photosynthesis to convert sunlight into energy and are food for the animals that inhabit the reef. Animals, like fish, birds, and zooplankton, are the consumers of the ecosystem. A primary consumer would be the zooplankton, secondary consumers are the fish that feed on the plankton, while tertiary consumers would be the sharks, dolphins, and other marine mammals (Batema, 2014).