coral

[mrrosesclass]

Hi, my 3rd grade class was wondering what is the purpose of coral in the underwater ecosystem?

Thanks,
Mr. Rose
Stratton Elementary

 

[Mark Bianco]

There are some fish that will eat some corals, and other fish use the corals for their home or shelter. If you look at the relationship between clownfish and anemones (not really a coral but close) the clownfish will live in the anemones for their house and the clown fish will bring the anemones food.

 

[mudskipper1]

While every organism doesn't necessarily have to serve an obvious beneficial purpose to an ecosystem, coral is a vital part of the reef ecosystem. Coral literally creates the reef. Many corals grow by depositing calcium they take out of the water into their skeleton. This skeleton remains even if the organism dies, so over long periods of time, layers of dead coral skeletons provide the structure that makes up the reef. Live corals grow off of dead skeletons, fish hide in the cracks, algae grows on it, which is eaten by fish, snails, hermit crabs, and many others. The large surface area allows bacteria to grow which filter the water. In many cases the coral reefs protect nearby shorelines from the worst of the waves, prevent erosion. As mentioned, many organisms also directly consume corals. Some live within the corals as well, for example some crabs have symbiotic relationships with corals. The crabs eat the mucus produced by the coral (doesn't harm the coral), and the crab protects the coral from predators like some starfish that eat and kill corals. I could go on and on.

 

[coralsnaked]

In summary, healthy coral reefs provide:
•Habitat: Home to over 1 million diverse aquatic species, including thousands of fish species
•Income: Billions of dollars and millions of jobs in over 100 countries around the world
•Food: For people living near coral reefs, especially on small islands
•Protection: A natural barrier protecting coastal cities, communities and beaches
•Medicine: The potential for treatments for many of the world's most prevalent and dangerous illnesses and diseases.

Benefits of Coral Reefs - Courtesy of ICRI

Here is a link to the entire short article.

http://www.icriforum.org/about-coral-reefs/benefits-coral-reefs