Types of Corals Types of Reefs 1/18. Pillar (Digitate) Coral Upward cylinders Look like fingers or...
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Transcript of Types of Corals Types of Reefs 1/18. Pillar (Digitate) Coral Upward cylinders Look like fingers or...
Pillar (Digitate) Coral
• Upward cylinders
• Look like fingers or
cigars
• No secondary branching
3/18
Table Corals
• Plate like with polyps extending upward
• Increased surface area for photosynthesis
• Easier for tentacles to capture zooplankton
4/18
Elkhorn Coral
• Thick, sturdy, flat, antler-like branches
• Fast growing
• Survive in heavy
wave action
5/18
Foliase Coral
• Whorl-like pattern
• Look like flower petals
• Increased surface area
• Provide shelter for animals between “petals”
6/18
Mushroom Coral
• Mushroom shape
• Flat or dome oval
• Solitary
• Unattached
• Indo-Pacific waters
9/18
Barrier Reefs
• Border shorelines
• Separated from land by lagoon of open, often deep water
fringeland
barrier
12/18
Parts of the ReefDetermining Factors
• Bottom topography
• Depth
• Wave action
• Current
• Temperature
• LightLight
• Sediment
14/18
Reef Flat Zone
Sheltered side of reefVariable depth: exposed at low tide
Seagrass bedsSubstrate: loose sand and coral
Encrusting and filament algae common
Variable temp and salinity
Protected from waves
16/18
Reef Crest
Highest point on reef Exposed at low tide
Severe wave action: little live coral Stout branching coral
Small animals live protected among nooks and crannies
17/18
Fore Reef
Low tide mark to deep water
Deep channels between buttresses
Butresses: stabilize reef and dissipate wave action
Channels: drain reef debris & sediment to deeper water
Abundant O2 + hiding spaces = small fish
Small fish bring big fish! Yummy!Deep dark water = sponges, & non-reef building coral
18/18