Meaning of coral reefs for marine biology

Meaning of coral reefs for marine biology

Coral reefs, these colorful, fascinating and mysterious marine structures, are crucial for our survival and well -being. At the same time, they are miracles of nature and important actors in the process of life. They play an enormously important role for the marine ecosystem and are essential study objects for marine biology.

In this article we want to illuminate the importance of coral reefs for our understanding of marine biology and show the various functions that they fulfill. Our findings are the result of many years of scientific research and practice in aquatic biology.

What are coral reefs?

Before we deal with the why , it is important to clarify the what : What exactly are coral reefs?

Coral reefs are underwater structures that consist of the material separation of corals, small, sessile (i.e. local festivals). Corals belong to the animal class of nettle animals (Cnidaria), which also include jellyfish and lake anemones.

How do coral reefs arise?

The majority of the coral reefs existing today emerged from rock-hard skeletons of certain types of reef corals that live in tropical seas. Over the years of thousands of years, this skeleton stood together and formed reefs in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, some of which reached enormous dimensions. The best known of this is the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia.

meaning of coral reefs for marine biology

Many marine organisms rely on the presence of coral reefs. In this sense, coral reefs act as a habitat, food source and shelter from robbers.

biodiversity and habitat

Coral reefs are extremely diverse ecosystems and house about 25% of all known sea types, although they take less than 0.1% of the total sea surface.

What coral reefs give their incomparable biodiversity is their structure. The many small caves, crevices and overhangs created by corals and other sessile animals offer shelter and breeding sites for countless species. Both microorganisms and larger animals such as fish, crabs or molluscs find ideal living conditions here.

food and flow of energy

In warm, low -nutrient surroundings, as prevailed in the tropical reefs, corals have developed a unique method of energy generation: through a symbiosis with special algae, the zooxanthelles, they are able to operate photosynthesis. This is an important engine of the food chain and therefore necessary for the flow of energy in the entire ecosystem.

protective zone and nutrient cycle

Coral reefs also serve as natural protection against storms and waves, they reduce the energy of waves and thus help to prevent coastal erosion.

Their extensive structures also serve as physical barriers that control the water exchange between coastal waters and oceans. In this way, they contribute to the regional nutrient cycle and thus influence the productivity of the adjacent ecosystems.

dangers and challenges for coral reefs

Despite their significant role in marine biology, coral reefs are threatened worldwide. Climate change, overacidification of the oceans, overfishing and pollutant entries are strongly.

climate change and coral bleach

One of the biggest challenges for coral reefs is climate change. Due to the rising water temperature, so -called coral bleaching is becoming increasingly common worldwide, in which corals lose their symbiotic algae and thus their ability to gain energy. As a result, they die and the reef loses its function as a habitat.

ocean acidification and overfishing

By burning fossil fuels, CO2 is released, which is partially absorbed by the oceans. This leads to acidification of the water, which in turn makes it difficult to form the skeleton of the corals and gradually lets the coral reefs atrophy.

overfishing and improper fishing methods, such as the use of explosives or poison, lead to the destruction of coral reefs and to disturb balance in the entire ecosystem.

summary

Coral reefs are a central component of marine biology. They are both residential, breeding and food for numerous sea creatures, as well as ecosystem engineers who steer marine currents and protect coasts from erosion. They are hotspots of biodiversity, unique natural beauties and essential components of a healthy planet.

Your preservation and care should therefore be a priority of all local and global environmental protection measures. Because the continuation of your current annihilation would have unforeseeable consequences for the different marine ecosystems and thus ultimately for all of us.+