Understanding Coral Reefs - Versionsgeschichte

Horacepart79 um 04:33, 19. Mär. 2013

Horacepart79 — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 04:33:12 GMT

← Nächstältere Version		Version vom 04:33, 19. Mär. 2013
Zeile 1:		Zeile 1:
-	[http://blog.stevenwsmeltzer.com/what-are-coral-reefs/introduction-to-the-underwater-world/ What Are Coral Reefs] - ~~Learning about Coral Reefs~~	+	[http://blog.stevenwsmeltzer.com/what-are-coral-reefs/introduction-to-the-underwater-world/ What Are Coral Reefs] - Introduction to the Underwater World
-	[http://blog.stevenwsmeltzer.com/what-are-coral-reefs/ Coral reefs] ~~are made up~~ of ~~thousands and thousands of~~ tiny ~~marine creatures which are in~~ the class anthozoans, the ~~largest~~ class of organisms within the phylum cnidaria (the "c" is silent). Cnidaria has ~~more than~~ 6,000 ~~recognized~~ species of ~~sea fans~~, sea pansies, ~~jellyfish,~~ and sea ~~anemones~~. Corals, ~~subsequent to~~ their larvae ~~stage~~, no longer move but are fixed in one place. This type of animal is ~~called~~ a sessile animal.	+	[http://blog.stevenwsmeltzer.com/what-are-coral-reefs/ Coral reefs] consist of tiny animals that belong to the class anthozoans, the major class of organisms within the phylum cnidaria (the "c" is silent). Cnidaria has over 6,000 identified species of jellyfish, sea pansies, sea anemones and sea fans. Corals, after their larvae phase, no longer move but are fixed in one place. This type of animal is known as a sessile animal.

-	~~[http://www.stevenwsmeltzer.com~~ Coral reef] colonies are made of millions of these ~~tiny~~, cup-shaped ~~creatures~~ termed polyps. A ~~single~~ coral polyp ~~may~~ be as large as a saucer or smaller than the head of a pin. Millions of polyps working ~~in concert~~ in a ~~collaborative~~ colony ~~generation after generation make~~ the limestone skeletons that ~~create~~ the framework of the magnificent coral reef. Coral reef colonies reproduce both sexually and asexually. ~~In sexual reproduction~~, the coral polyps release both eggs and sperm into the water. (This is also called coral spawning.) One kind of asexual reproduction ~~occurs~~ when fragments of coral are broken off ~~because~~ of storm ~~action~~. The broken pieces of corals more often than not ~~live~~ and continue to grow and ~~produce~~ a new colony. This ~~method~~ is ~~known~~ as "fragmentation". Corals ~~live~~ in colonies consisting of numerous individuals, each of which is called polyp. They ~~produce~~ a hard calcium carbonate (rock-like) skeleton, which serves as a uniform foundation or substrate for the colony. This skeleton ~~enables~~ two ~~fundamental~~ functions, first for the coral itself it ~~provides safety~~, as the polyps can contract into the structure if predators ~~draw near~~ and second this same skeletal structure is what ~~makes up~~ the coral reefs over a period of time. The calcium carbonate is ~~produced~~ at the ~~base~~ of the polyps, so the living ~~portion~~ of the coral colony occurs at the exterior of the skeletal structure, ~~totally~~ covering it. The calcium carbonate ~~deposited~~ by the colony ~~incessantly~~ adds to the ~~size~~ of the ~~overall~~ structure and ~~thus~~ the enlargement of the reef. The expansion of these reef structures ~~varies~~ greatly, ~~depending~~ on the ~~species~~ of coral and environmental conditions-- ranging from 0.3 to 10 centimeters per year. The skeletons of stony corals are secreted by the lower ~~part~~ of the polyp. This ~~process~~ creates a cup, ~~called~~ the calice, in which the polyp ~~is located~~. The walls surrounding the cup are ~~called~~ the theca, and the floor is called the basal plate. Thin, calcareous septa (sclerosepta), that ~~provide~~ structural integrity, ~~protection~~, and an increased surface ~~area~~ for the polyp's soft tissues, extend upward from the basal plate and radiate inward coming from its outer wall. Periodically, a polyp will raise up off its base and secrete a new floor to its cup, forming a new basal plate above the old one. This creates a tiny chamber in the skeleton. ~~When~~ polyps are physically stressed or under ~~impending~~ attack, they contract into the calice so that ~~practically~~ no part is exposed above the skeletal platform. This protects the ~~creature~~ from predators and the elements (Barnes, R.D., 1987; Sumich, 1996). Different ~~species~~ of coral ~~construct~~ structures of ~~various~~ dimensions and shapes such as brain corals, fan corals, encrusting corals, etc., ~~producing incredible~~ variety and complexity in the coral reef ecosystem. Various coral varieties tend to be segregated into characteristic zones on a reef, separated out by competition with other varieties ~~and by~~ environmental conditions. Corals ~~have~~ only a ~~limited level~~ of organ development and consists of three fundamental tissue layers: an external layer or epidermis, an inner layer of cells lining the gastrovascular cavity (an internal space for digestion) and a layer called the mesoglea between the other two layers Barnes, R.D., 1987. Corals feed by reaching out ~~by means of~~ tentacles to ~~catch quarry like~~ small fish and planktonic ~~creatures~~ (any drifting organisms, animal, plant, archaea or bacteria that inhabit the pelagic zone of the oceans). See Also: Creatures of the Coral Reefs Resources: Marine Species Galleries: Coral Reef Images Pictures of Fish Sea Turtles ~~Crustaceans and Echinoderms Moray Eels~~ Detailed Information on select Marine Species: Caribbean Fish Hawaiian Fish Sponges Crustaceans, Invertebrates, Mollusks, Echinoderms	+	Coral reef colonies are made of millions of these very small, cup-shaped animals termed polyps. A solitary coral polyp might be as large as a saucer or smaller than the head of a pin. Millions of polyps working together in a cooperative colony over many years create the limestone skeletons that make the framework of the magnificent coral reef. Corals begin life in tropical waters as free-floating larvae. Following a comparatively short period of time, the larva eventually attaches itself to a hard surface and becomes a polyp. [http://www.stevenwsmeltzer.com Coral reef] colonies reproduce both sexually and asexually. To reproduce, the coral polyps release both eggs and sperm into the water. (This is also called coral spawning.) One kind of asexual reproduction takes place when fragments of coral are broken off as a consequence of storm storms. The broken pieces of corals more often than not survive and continue to grow and make a new colony. This process is referred to as "fragmentation". Corals exist in colonies consisting of numerous individuals, each of which is called polyp. They secrete a hard calcium carbonate (rock-like) skeleton, which serves as a uniform foundation or substrate for the colony. This skeleton provides two essential functions, first for the coral itself it offers shelter, as the polyps can contract into the structure if predators approach and second this same skeletal structure is what creates the coral reefs over a period of time. The calcium carbonate is secreted at the bottom of the polyps, consequently the living part of the coral colony occurs at the exterior of the skeletal structure, completely covering it. The calcium carbonate created by the living colony continually adds to the dimensions of the general structure and therefore the enlargement of the coral reef. The expansion of these reef structures differs greatly, based on the varieties of coral and environmental conditions-- ranging from 0.3 to 10 centimeters per year. The skeletons of stony corals are secreted by the lower portion of the polyp. This method creates a cup, known as the calice, in which the polyp rests. The walls surrounding the cup are known as the theca, and the floor is called the basal plate. Thin, calcareous septa (sclerosepta), that give structural integrity, shelter, and an increased surface region for the polyp's soft tissues, extend upward from the basal plate and radiate inward coming from its outer wall. Periodically, a polyp will raise up off its base and secrete a new floor to its cup, forming a new basal plate above the old one. This creates a tiny chamber in the skeleton. If polyps are physically stressed or under potential attack, they contract into the calice so that almost no part is exposed above the skeletal platform. This protects the organism from predators and the elements (Barnes, R.D., 1987; Sumich, 1996). Different varieties of coral build structures of different dimensions and shapes such as brain corals, fan corals, encrusting corals, etc., making marvelous variety and complexity in the coral reef ecosystem. Various coral varieties tend to be segregated into characteristic zones on a reef, separated out by competition with other varieties along with environmental conditions. Corals contain only a narrow degree of organ development and consists of three fundamental tissue layers: an external layer or epidermis, an inner layer of cells lining the gastrovascular cavity (an internal space for digestion) and a layer called the mesoglea between the other two layers Barnes, R.D., 1987. Corals feed by reaching out with tentacles to seize prey such as small fish and planktonic animals (any drifting organisms, animal, plant, archaea or bacteria that inhabit the pelagic zone of the oceans). See Also: Creatures of the Coral Reefs Resources: Marine Species Galleries: Crustaceans and Echinoderms Moray Eels Coral Reef Images Pictures of Fish Sea Turtles Detailed Information on select Marine Species: Caribbean Fish Hawaiian Fish Sponges Crustaceans, Invertebrates, Mollusks, Echinoderms

Silica13ron um 04:30, 19. Mär. 2013

Silica13ron — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 04:30:03 GMT

← Nächstältere Version		Version vom 04:30, 19. Mär. 2013
Zeile 1:		Zeile 1:
	[http://blog.stevenwsmeltzer.com/what-are-coral-reefs/introduction-to-the-underwater-world/ What Are Coral Reefs] - Learning about Coral Reefs		[http://blog.stevenwsmeltzer.com/what-are-coral-reefs/introduction-to-the-underwater-world/ What Are Coral Reefs] - Learning about Coral Reefs
-	[http://blog.stevenwsmeltzer.com/what-are-coral-reefs/ Coral reefs] are made up of tiny ~~animals that belong to~~ the class anthozoans, the ~~major~~ class of organisms within the phylum cnidaria (the "c" is silent). Cnidaria has more than 6,000 recognized species of sea fans, sea pansies, jellyfish, and sea anemones. Corals, ~~after~~ their larvae ~~phase~~, ~~aren't mobile~~ but ~~rather stay~~ fixed in ~~a single~~ place. This type of animal is called a sessile animal.	+	[http://blog.stevenwsmeltzer.com/what-are-coral-reefs/ Coral reefs] are made up of thousands and thousands of tiny marine creatures which are in the class anthozoans, the largest class of organisms within the phylum cnidaria (the "c" is silent). Cnidaria has more than 6,000 recognized species of sea fans, sea pansies, jellyfish, and sea anemones. Corals, subsequent to their larvae stage, no longer move but are fixed in one place. This type of animal is called a sessile animal.

-	[http://www.stevenwsmeltzer.com Coral reef] colonies are ~~composed~~ of millions of these tiny, cup-shaped ~~animals~~ termed polyps. A single coral polyp ~~might~~ be as large as a saucer or smaller than the head of a pin. Millions of polyps ~~functioning~~ in concert in a ~~cooperative~~ colony generation after generation ~~create~~ the limestone skeletons that ~~form~~ the framework of the ~~wonderful~~ coral reef~~. Corals begin life in tropical waters as free-floating larvae. After a relatively short period of time, the larva eventually attaches itself to a hard surface and becomes a polyp~~. Coral reef colonies reproduce both sexually and asexually. In sexual reproduction, the coral polyps ~~discharge~~ both eggs and sperm into the water. (This is also ~~known as~~ coral spawning.) One kind of asexual reproduction ~~takes place~~ when fragments of coral are broken off ~~as a result~~ of storm action. The broken pieces of corals ~~usually survive~~ and continue to grow and ~~make~~ a new colony. This ~~process~~ is ~~referred to~~ as "fragmentation". Corals ~~exist~~ in colonies consisting of numerous individuals, each of which is called polyp. They ~~secrete~~ a hard calcium carbonate (rock-like) skeleton, which serves as a uniform foundation or substrate for the colony. This skeleton enables two fundamental functions, first for the coral itself it provides ~~fortification~~, as the polyps can contract into the structure if predators ~~approach~~ and second this same skeletal ~~construction~~ is what makes up the coral reefs over time. The calcium carbonate is ~~secreted~~ at the ~~bottom~~ of the polyps, ~~consequently~~ the living portion of the coral colony occurs at the exterior of the skeletal structure, totally covering it. The calcium carbonate deposited by the ~~living~~ colony incessantly adds to the size of the ~~general~~ structure and ~~consequently~~ the ~~growth~~ of the reef. The expansion of these reef structures varies ~~widely~~, ~~based~~ on the ~~varieties~~ of coral and environmental conditions-- ranging from 0.3 to 10 centimeters per year. Different varieties of coral assemble structures of various sizes and shapes such as brain corals, fan corals, encrusting corals, etc., producing amazing variety and complexity in the coral reef ecosystem. Different coral species tend to be segregated into characteristic zones on a reef, separated out by competition with other species and by environmental conditions. The skeletons of stony corals are secreted by the lower part of the polyp. This process ~~produces~~ a cup, ~~known as~~ the calice, in which the polyp is located. The walls ~~encircling~~ the cup are ~~known as~~ the theca, and the ~~base~~ is ~~known as~~ the basal plate. Thin, calcareous septa (sclerosepta), that ~~provides~~ structural integrity, ~~armor~~, and an increased surface area for the polyp's soft tissues, extend upward from the basal plate and ~~branch~~ inward from its ~~external~~ wall. Periodically, a polyp will ~~lift~~ off its base and ~~exude~~ a new floor ~~or base~~ to its cup, forming a new basal plate above the ~~previous~~ one. This ~~produces~~ a ~~minute~~ chamber in the skeleton. If polyps are physically stressed or under ~~probable~~ attack, they ~~move down~~ into the calice so that practically no ~~portion~~ is exposed above the skeletal platform. This protects the ~~organism~~ from predators and the elements (Barnes, R.D., 1987; Sumich, 1996). Corals ~~contain~~ only a limited ~~degree~~ of organ development and consists of three fundamental tissue layers: an ~~outer~~ layer or epidermis, an inner layer of cells lining the gastrovascular cavity (an internal space for digestion) and a layer called the mesoglea between the other two layers Barnes, R.D., 1987. Corals feed by reaching out by means of tentacles to ~~seize prey such as~~ small fish and planktonic creatures (any drifting organisms, animal, plant, archaea or bacteria that inhabit the pelagic zone of the oceans). See Also: Creatures of the Coral Reefs Resources: Marine Species Galleries: Coral Reef Images Pictures of Fish Sea Turtles Crustaceans and Echinoderms Moray Eels Detailed Information on select Marine Species: Caribbean Fish Hawaiian Fish Sponges Crustaceans, Invertebrates, Mollusks, Echinoderms	+	[http://www.stevenwsmeltzer.com Coral reef] colonies are made of millions of these tiny, cup-shaped creatures termed polyps. A single coral polyp may be as large as a saucer or smaller than the head of a pin. Millions of polyps working in concert in a collaborative colony generation after generation make the limestone skeletons that create the framework of the magnificent coral reef. Coral reef colonies reproduce both sexually and asexually. In sexual reproduction, the coral polyps release both eggs and sperm into the water. (This is also called coral spawning.) One kind of asexual reproduction occurs when fragments of coral are broken off because of storm action. The broken pieces of corals more often than not live and continue to grow and produce a new colony. This method is known as "fragmentation". Corals live in colonies consisting of numerous individuals, each of which is called polyp. They produce a hard calcium carbonate (rock-like) skeleton, which serves as a uniform foundation or substrate for the colony. This skeleton enables two fundamental functions, first for the coral itself it provides safety, as the polyps can contract into the structure if predators draw near and second this same skeletal structure is what makes up the coral reefs over a period of time. The calcium carbonate is produced at the base of the polyps, so the living portion of the coral colony occurs at the exterior of the skeletal structure, totally covering it. The calcium carbonate deposited by the colony incessantly adds to the size of the overall structure and thus the enlargement of the reef. The expansion of these reef structures varies greatly, depending on the species of coral and environmental conditions-- ranging from 0.3 to 10 centimeters per year. The skeletons of stony corals are secreted by the lower part of the polyp. This process creates a cup, called the calice, in which the polyp is located. The walls surrounding the cup are called the theca, and the floor is called the basal plate. Thin, calcareous septa (sclerosepta), that provide structural integrity, protection, and an increased surface area for the polyp's soft tissues, extend upward from the basal plate and radiate inward coming from its outer wall. Periodically, a polyp will raise up off its base and secrete a new floor to its cup, forming a new basal plate above the old one. This creates a tiny chamber in the skeleton. When polyps are physically stressed or under impending attack, they contract into the calice so that practically no part is exposed above the skeletal platform. This protects the creature from predators and the elements (Barnes, R.D., 1987; Sumich, 1996). Different species of coral construct structures of various dimensions and shapes such as brain corals, fan corals, encrusting corals, etc., producing incredible variety and complexity in the coral reef ecosystem. Various coral varieties tend to be segregated into characteristic zones on a reef, separated out by competition with other varieties and by environmental conditions. Corals have only a limited level of organ development and consists of three fundamental tissue layers: an external layer or epidermis, an inner layer of cells lining the gastrovascular cavity (an internal space for digestion) and a layer called the mesoglea between the other two layers Barnes, R.D., 1987. Corals feed by reaching out by means of tentacles to catch quarry like small fish and planktonic creatures (any drifting organisms, animal, plant, archaea or bacteria that inhabit the pelagic zone of the oceans). See Also: Creatures of the Coral Reefs Resources: Marine Species Galleries: Coral Reef Images Pictures of Fish Sea Turtles Crustaceans and Echinoderms Moray Eels Detailed Information on select Marine Species: Caribbean Fish Hawaiian Fish Sponges Crustaceans, Invertebrates, Mollusks, Echinoderms

Gilhugh02 um 04:26, 19. Mär. 2013

Gilhugh02 — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 04:26:25 GMT

← Nächstältere Version		Version vom 04:26, 19. Mär. 2013
Zeile 1:		Zeile 1:
-	[http://blog.stevenwsmeltzer.com/what-are-coral-reefs/introduction-to-the-underwater-world/ What Are Coral Reefs] - ~~Introduction to the Underwater World~~	+	[http://blog.stevenwsmeltzer.com/what-are-coral-reefs/introduction-to-the-underwater-world/ What Are Coral Reefs] - Learning about Coral Reefs
-	[http://blog.stevenwsmeltzer.com/what-are-coral-reefs/ Coral ~~reef systems~~] ~~consist~~ of tiny animals that ~~are in~~ the class anthozoans, the major class of organisms within the phylum cnidaria (the "c" is silent). Cnidaria has ~~greater~~ than 6,000 ~~identified~~ species of sea fans, sea pansies, jellyfish, and sea anemones. Corals, after their larvae phase, ~~no longer move~~ but ~~are~~ fixed in ~~one~~ place. This type of animal is called a sessile animal.	+	[http://blog.stevenwsmeltzer.com/what-are-coral-reefs/ Coral reefs] are made up of tiny animals that belong to the class anthozoans, the major class of organisms within the phylum cnidaria (the "c" is silent). Cnidaria has more than 6,000 recognized species of sea fans, sea pansies, jellyfish, and sea anemones. Corals, after their larvae phase, aren't mobile but rather stay fixed in a single place. This type of animal is called a sessile animal.

-	[http://www.stevenwsmeltzer.com Coral reef] colonies are ~~made~~ of millions of these ~~very small~~, cup-shaped animals ~~known as~~ polyps. A ~~solitary~~ coral polyp might be as ~~big~~ as a saucer or smaller than the head of a pin. Millions of polyps functioning in concert in a ~~collaborative~~ colony ~~over many years make~~ the limestone skeletons that ~~create~~ the framework of the wonderful coral reef. Coral reef colonies reproduce both sexually and asexually. In sexual reproduction, the coral polyps ~~release~~ both eggs and sperm into the water. (This is also known as coral spawning.) One kind of asexual reproduction ~~occurs~~ when fragments of coral are broken off ~~because of~~ a storm. The broken pieces of corals ~~typically live~~ and continue to grow and ~~produce~~ a new colony. This ~~method~~ is ~~known~~ as "fragmentation". Corals exist in colonies consisting of numerous individuals, each of which is called polyp. They ~~produce~~ a hard calcium carbonate (rock-like) skeleton, which serves as a uniform ~~base~~ or substrate for the colony. This skeleton enables two fundamental functions, first for the coral itself it ~~offers safety~~, as the polyps can contract into the structure if predators ~~draw near~~ and second this same skeletal ~~structure~~ is what ~~creates~~ the coral reefs over ~~a period of~~ time. The calcium carbonate is secreted at the bottom of the polyps, consequently the living ~~part~~ of the coral colony occurs at the exterior of the skeletal structure, totally covering it. The calcium carbonate ~~created~~ by the living colony ~~continually~~ adds to the size of the ~~overall~~ structure and ~~therefore~~ the ~~expansion~~ of the ~~coral~~ reef. The ~~growth~~ of these reef structures varies ~~greatly~~, based on the varieties of coral and environmental conditions-- ranging from 0.3 to 10 centimeters per year. The skeletons of stony corals are ~~produced~~ by the lower ~~portion~~ of the polyp. This ~~method creates~~ a cup, ~~called~~ the calice, in which the polyp ~~sits~~. The walls ~~surrounding~~ the cup are ~~called~~ the theca, and the ~~floor~~ is known as the basal plate. Thin, calcareous septa (sclerosepta), ~~which provide~~ structural integrity, ~~protection~~, and an increased surface area for the polyp's soft tissues, extend upward from the basal plate and ~~radiate~~ inward ~~coming~~ from its ~~outer~~ wall. ~~From time to time~~, a polyp will lift off its base and ~~produce~~ a new floor to its cup, forming a new basal plate ~~just~~ above the ~~old~~ one. This ~~creates~~ a minute chamber in the skeleton. ~~When~~ polyps are physically stressed or under ~~potential~~ attack, they ~~contract~~ into the calice so that ~~virtually~~ no ~~part~~ is exposed above the skeletal platform. This protects the ~~creature~~ from predators and the elements (Barnes, R.D., 1987; Sumich, 1996). Different varieties of coral construct structures of various dimensions and shapes such as brain corals, fan corals, encrusting corals, etc., creating marvelous variety and complexity in the coral reef ecosystem. Various coral varieties tend to be segregated into characteristic zones on a reef, separated out by competition with other species along with environmental conditions. Corals contain only a ~~narrow~~ degree of organ development and consists of three fundamental tissue layers: an ~~external~~ layer or epidermis, an inner layer of cells lining the gastrovascular cavity (an internal space for digestion) and a layer called the mesoglea between the other two layers Barnes, R.D., 1987. Corals feed by reaching out by means of tentacles to seize prey such as small fish and planktonic creatures (any drifting organisms, animal, plant, archaea or bacteria that inhabit the pelagic zone of the oceans). See Also: Creatures of the Coral Reefs Resources: Marine Species Galleries: Coral Reef Images Pictures of Fish Sea Turtles Crustaceans and Echinoderms Moray Eels Detailed Information on select Marine Species: Caribbean Fish Hawaiian Fish Sponges Crustaceans, Invertebrates, Mollusks, Echinoderms	+	[http://www.stevenwsmeltzer.com Coral reef] colonies are composed of millions of these tiny, cup-shaped animals termed polyps. A single coral polyp might be as large as a saucer or smaller than the head of a pin. Millions of polyps functioning in concert in a cooperative colony generation after generation create the limestone skeletons that form the framework of the wonderful coral reef. Corals begin life in tropical waters as free-floating larvae. After a relatively short period of time, the larva eventually attaches itself to a hard surface and becomes a polyp. Coral reef colonies reproduce both sexually and asexually. In sexual reproduction, the coral polyps discharge both eggs and sperm into the water. (This is also known as coral spawning.) One kind of asexual reproduction takes place when fragments of coral are broken off as a result of storm action. The broken pieces of corals usually survive and continue to grow and make a new colony. This process is referred to as "fragmentation". Corals exist in colonies consisting of numerous individuals, each of which is called polyp. They secrete a hard calcium carbonate (rock-like) skeleton, which serves as a uniform foundation or substrate for the colony. This skeleton enables two fundamental functions, first for the coral itself it provides fortification, as the polyps can contract into the structure if predators approach and second this same skeletal construction is what makes up the coral reefs over time. The calcium carbonate is secreted at the bottom of the polyps, consequently the living portion of the coral colony occurs at the exterior of the skeletal structure, totally covering it. The calcium carbonate deposited by the living colony incessantly adds to the size of the general structure and consequently the growth of the reef. The expansion of these reef structures varies widely, based on the varieties of coral and environmental conditions-- ranging from 0.3 to 10 centimeters per year. Different varieties of coral assemble structures of various sizes and shapes such as brain corals, fan corals, encrusting corals, etc., producing amazing variety and complexity in the coral reef ecosystem. Different coral species tend to be segregated into characteristic zones on a reef, separated out by competition with other species and by environmental conditions. The skeletons of stony corals are secreted by the lower part of the polyp. This process produces a cup, known as the calice, in which the polyp is located. The walls encircling the cup are known as the theca, and the base is known as the basal plate. Thin, calcareous septa (sclerosepta), that provides structural integrity, armor, and an increased surface area for the polyp's soft tissues, extend upward from the basal plate and branch inward from its external wall. Periodically, a polyp will lift off its base and exude a new floor or base to its cup, forming a new basal plate above the previous one. This produces a minute chamber in the skeleton. If polyps are physically stressed or under probable attack, they move down into the calice so that practically no portion is exposed above the skeletal platform. This protects the organism from predators and the elements (Barnes, R.D., 1987; Sumich, 1996). Corals contain only a limited degree of organ development and consists of three fundamental tissue layers: an outer layer or epidermis, an inner layer of cells lining the gastrovascular cavity (an internal space for digestion) and a layer called the mesoglea between the other two layers Barnes, R.D., 1987. Corals feed by reaching out by means of tentacles to seize prey such as small fish and planktonic creatures (any drifting organisms, animal, plant, archaea or bacteria that inhabit the pelagic zone of the oceans). See Also: Creatures of the Coral Reefs Resources: Marine Species Galleries: Coral Reef Images Pictures of Fish Sea Turtles Crustaceans and Echinoderms Moray Eels Detailed Information on select Marine Species: Caribbean Fish Hawaiian Fish Sponges Crustaceans, Invertebrates, Mollusks, Echinoderms

Tights01vito: Die Seite wurde neu angelegt: „[http://blog.stevenwsmeltzer.com/what-are-coral-reefs/introduction-to-the-underwater-world/ What Are Coral Reefs] - Introduction to the Underwater World [http://…“

Tights01vito — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 04:13:19 GMT

Die Seite wurde neu angelegt: „[http://blog.stevenwsmeltzer.com/what-are-coral-reefs/introduction-to-the-underwater-world/ What Are Coral Reefs] - Introduction to the Underwater World [http://…“

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[http://blog.stevenwsmeltzer.com/what-are-coral-reefs/introduction-to-the-underwater-world/ What Are Coral Reefs] - Introduction to the Underwater World
[http://blog.stevenwsmeltzer.com/what-are-coral-reefs/ Coral reef systems] consist of tiny animals that are in the class anthozoans, the major class of organisms within the phylum cnidaria (the "c" is silent). Cnidaria has greater than 6,000 identified species of sea fans, sea pansies, jellyfish, and sea anemones. Corals, after their larvae phase, no longer move but are fixed in one place. This type of animal is called a sessile animal.

[http://www.stevenwsmeltzer.com Coral reef] colonies are made of millions of these very small, cup-shaped animals known as polyps. A solitary coral polyp might be as big as a saucer or smaller than the head of a pin. Millions of polyps functioning in concert in a collaborative colony over many years make the limestone skeletons that create the framework of the wonderful coral reef. Coral reef colonies reproduce both sexually and asexually. In sexual reproduction, the coral polyps release both eggs and sperm into the water. (This is also known as coral spawning.) One kind of asexual reproduction occurs when fragments of coral are broken off because of a storm. The broken pieces of corals typically live and continue to grow and produce a new colony. This method is known as "fragmentation". Corals exist in colonies consisting of numerous individuals, each of which is called polyp. They produce a hard calcium carbonate (rock-like) skeleton, which serves as a uniform base or substrate for the colony. This skeleton enables two fundamental functions, first for the coral itself it offers safety, as the polyps can contract into the structure if predators draw near and second this same skeletal structure is what creates the coral reefs over a period of time. The calcium carbonate is secreted at the bottom of the polyps, consequently the living part of the coral colony occurs at the exterior of the skeletal structure, totally covering it. The calcium carbonate created by the living colony continually adds to the size of the overall structure and therefore the expansion of the coral reef. The growth of these reef structures varies greatly, based on the varieties of coral and environmental conditions-- ranging from 0.3 to 10 centimeters per year. The skeletons of stony corals are produced by the lower portion of the polyp. This method creates a cup, called the calice, in which the polyp sits. The walls surrounding the cup are called the theca, and the floor is known as the basal plate. Thin, calcareous septa (sclerosepta), which provide structural integrity, protection, and an increased surface area for the polyp's soft tissues, extend upward from the basal plate and radiate inward coming from its outer wall. From time to time, a polyp will lift off its base and produce a new floor to its cup, forming a new basal plate just above the old one. This creates a minute chamber in the skeleton. When polyps are physically stressed or under potential attack, they contract into the calice so that virtually no part is exposed above the skeletal platform. This protects the creature from predators and the elements (Barnes, R.D., 1987; Sumich, 1996). Different varieties of coral construct structures of various dimensions and shapes such as brain corals, fan corals, encrusting corals, etc., creating marvelous variety and complexity in the coral reef ecosystem. Various coral varieties tend to be segregated into characteristic zones on a reef, separated out by competition with other species along with environmental conditions. Corals contain only a narrow degree of organ development and consists of three fundamental tissue layers: an external layer or epidermis, an inner layer of cells lining the gastrovascular cavity (an internal space for digestion) and a layer called the mesoglea between the other two layers Barnes, R.D., 1987. Corals feed by reaching out by means of tentacles to seize prey such as small fish and planktonic creatures (any drifting organisms, animal, plant, archaea or bacteria that inhabit the pelagic zone of the oceans). See Also: Creatures of the Coral Reefs Resources: Marine Species Galleries: Coral Reef Images Pictures of Fish Sea Turtles Crustaceans and Echinoderms Moray Eels Detailed Information on select Marine Species: Caribbean Fish Hawaiian Fish Sponges Crustaceans, Invertebrates, Mollusks, Echinoderms