Coral Reefs The Rainforests of the Sea - 981 Words

The Rainforests of the Sea Coral reefs are one of the most diverse habitats in the world today and it this diversity that makes them so important to the overall health of the oceans and thus the overall health of the oceans as a whole. Coral reefs take up only a very small percentage of the entire surface of the oceans surface. However, despite this, they provide a home to about one-quarter of all of the species that live in the oceans. (Mulhall, 2007, p. 321). Among the other life forms that live in the worlds coral reefs are fish, worms, echinoderms (such as sea urchins), sponges, and the evolutionary ancient classes of tunicates and cnidarians. One of the most striking aspects of the diversity of coral reefs is that they can exist (and support this florescence of life) in places where few other animals can flourish: Cold and deep waters (Smithers Woodroffe, 2000, p. 4). However, most corals live in tropical waters; it is on these types of corals that this paper focuses, looking in particular at the reef fi shes that make their homes in the worlds coral reefs. A very wide range of fish lives in coral reefs. These fish include both those who live entirely within the reefs and those that move in and out of the reefs periphery. Both types of fish eat smaller animals that also live in the reef or small plants that habitat the reef including seaweed and algae. The fish that live in coral reefs are often very brightly colored, a fact that allows that allows them to blendShow MoreRelatedCoral Reefs: The Rainforests of the Sea1062 Words   |  5 PagesCorals the rainforests of the sea. Corals’ and rainforests are very important to the world because they have a very important function. Carbon dioxide dissolves in seawater, the carbon dioxide then forms a week acid called carbonic acid this acid in it called carbonic iron, which stays in the carbon carbonate. This acid cannot make limestone but dose dissolve in ready-formed limestone and the reefs need it to produce limestone. Rainforests give out oxygen. Corals are like rainforest in the se a withRead MoreSaving the Coral Reefs662 Words   |  3 PagesIntroduction to Coral Reefs: Coral reefs along our coasts are the richest habitats on the planet and are homes to countless animal species. There are at least hundreds of marine species in the reef. Coral reefs take a long time to grow. They grow at a rate up to 2 cm per year. Corals grow in different shapes depending on their type of class. Some might resemble brains, trees, honeycombs and others. Coral reefs are important because they protect the shore from storms, and provide medicines, andRead MoreCoral Reefs : A Study From National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration923 Words   |  4 Pagesbeautiful, diverse, colorful reef that adds beauty to the ocean and to the fishes. Others see a peaceful bed for the oceans floor. Creature on the other hand see a shelter, and protection from people or bigger animals that lurk for their pray. Coral reefs aren’t made for its scenery, but as an ecosystem for many plants and animals. They do not only help the animals but serve to people as important sources of income, food, protection, and new medicines of mankind. Coral reefs are less than 1 percent ofRead MoreCoral Reefs Essay722 Words   |  3 PagesCoral reefs are very diverse ecosystems. They are â€Å"the rainforest of the sea†. Coral reefs can be very big or very small. The Great Barrier Reef (Australia) is 1,600 miles long and 40 miles wide. They are very import ant for our ocean, they provide food and home for many of the fish in the ocean. For some fish, coral reefs are the only viable food source or shelter they have. Coral reefs are very important. Coral reefs are made by individual coral that join together to form a coral colony. EachRead More The Effects of Global Warming on the Great Barrier Reef Essay950 Words   |  4 Pageson the Great Barrier Reef Introduction Coral reefs around the world are in danger. One of the causes is global warming, which has been increasing the temperature of the ocean water resulting in coral bleaching. This essay will focus on damage occurring to the Great Barrier Reef. What is a Coral Reef? A coral reef is a ridge formed in shallow ocean water by accumulated calcium-containing exoskeletons of coral animals, certain red algae, and mollusks. Coral reefs are tropical, formingRead MoreEssay on Rainforests of the Ocean942 Words   |  4 PagesRainforests of the Ocean Coral reefs are large societies of small living organisms. They are made up of millions of various creatures including fish, starfish, sea urchins, and so much more. Despite the fact that coral reefs make up fewer than one percentage of the Earth’s surface, coral reefs are still one of the greatest diversified ecosystems in the world due to the creatures that live in and around the reefs. Coral reefs are located in shallow, warm waters in the tropics around the Bahamas,Read MoreSalt Water Essay1402 Words   |  6 Pagesdissolved salts, known as saline water or seawater, water from oceans or seas. It is a home to varieties of aquatic animals, for example, fishes and snails. Some of these animals find it difficult to live in fresh water. If salt water animals go to live in fresh water they can not adapt the environment led to die to them. This essay aims to discuss the importance of salt water and the sub- types namely ocean, sea, and coral reefs. It will also show pictures whe re it is found and the aquariums that areRead MoreCoral Reefs : The Ecosystem860 Words   |  4 PagesCoral reefs are an essential component to the ecosystems in Hawaii. Coral reefs are comprised of numerous Cnidarian species that grow sympatrically to form structured colonies. Coral reef colonies support a wide range of marine wildlife. The marine animals utilize coral reefs as their habitat, as a source of food, and as a catalyst for community interactions. Coral reef communities that are well established are known to be highly biodiverse. Coral reefs are known as the tropical rainforests of theRead MoreCoral Reefs and How We Can Save Them Essay999 Words   |  4 PagesINTRODUCTION Coral reefs are underwater arrangements made from calcium-carbonated substances, which are released by corals. Coral reefs are gatherings of small and large organisms, which are found in marine waters that contain scarce nutrients. Most coral reefs are built from stony corals, which in turn consist of polyps that cluster in groups. The polyps belong to group of animals’ known as Phylum Cnidaria, which in turn secrete hard carbonate exoskeletons, which support and protect their bodiesRead MoreCoral Reefs : A Study From National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration983 Words   |  4 Pagessome, diverse, and colorful reefs add beauty to the ocean and to the fish. Others see coral reefs as peaceful beds on the ocean s floor. Creatures, on the other hand, see a shelter and protection from people or bigger larger that lurk for their prey. Coral reefs aren’t made for their scenery, but as ecosystems for many plants and animals. They do not only help the animals, but serve a s important sources of income, food, protection, and new medicines for mankind. Coral reefs are less than one percent