Coral Reef
Timothy Skaggs, Andrew Sarceda
Productivity
NPP is high in coral reef since the high light intensity and warm water allow rapid photosynthesis.
Major Life Forms
Sponges, fishes, echinoderms, mollusks, crustaceans, polychaetes fishes, sea snakes, sea turtles, Dugongs and Manatees
Abiotic Limiting Factors
oxygen, carbon dioxide, water, sand, rocks, shells, temperature, light, and waves
Special Features
The Reef is a complex ecosystem with many creatures relying on each other for food and survival.
Virtually all groups of marine plants and animals are abundantly represented in the Reef. Only tropical rainforests come close to rivalling the Reef for richness of species.
Plant Adaptations
In order to collect the sunlight needed for photosynthesis, plants in coral reefs have larger cells. Plants have also created many symbiotic relationships with other animals in order to survive.
Animal Adaptations
Due to the complex structures of coral reefs, with their many nooks, crannies, and hiding spaces, fish have adapted a body structure to easily maneuver through the coral. In open water fish have adapted bodies to swim faster, but within the coral reefs fish have adapted bodies that are flat and maneuverable. Fish found in coral reefs also have bright coloring to help with mating or camouflage.