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Zooxanthellae alternate between life phases expressed as cysts and as motile organisms in the water column. [14] [15] In zooxanthellae of the genus Gymnodinium, one possible life cycle of the cell begins as an immature cyst which reaches maturity then divides to form an immature cyst once more. Once growing into an older cell, it becomes no ...
The zooxanthellae are photosynthetic, and as the water temperature rises, they begin to produce reactive oxygen species. [2] This is toxic to the coral, so the coral expels the zooxanthellae. [2] Since the zooxanthellae produce the majority of coral colouration, the coral tissue becomes transparent, revealing the coral skeleton made of calcium ...
Zoanthids can be distinguished from other colonial anthozoans and soft coral by their characteristic of incorporating sand and other small pieces of material into their tissue to help make their structure (except for the family Zoanthidae). A main characteristic of the order is that their tentacles are all marginal.
Symbiotic Symbiodiniaceae are sometimes colloquially referred to as Zooxanthellae, though the latter term can be interpreted to include other families of symbiotic algae as well. [7] While many Symbiodiniaceae species are endosymbionts, others are free living in the water column or sediment.
The acidity of the water will slowly dissolve the leftover coral skeletons, essentially damaging the structural integrity of the coral reef. There are many organisms that also rely on the algae and zooxanthellae for their main source of food. Therefore, organisms in the bleached coral reef are forced to leave in search of new food sources ...
This process, called filter feeding, is facilitated when the "fan" is oriented across the prevailing current to maximise water flow to the gorgonian, hence food supply. Some gorgonians contain algae, or zooxanthellae. This symbiotic relationship assists in giving the gorgonian nutrition by photosynthesis. Gorgonians possessing zooxanthellae are ...
In warm water and with high levels of light, this coral often houses photosynthesizing symbiotic protists known as zooxanthellae in its tissues, and then the coral appears brown. In cooler, or low-light conditions, the zooxanthellae may no longer be beneficial to the coral and may be expelled, and then the coral appears pale in colour.
It is probable that the coral benefits from the flow of water into and out of the sponge which increases the number of food particles coming within its reach. The sponge is a filter feeder and feeds on the bacteria and dissolved organic matter it removes from the water passing through its tissues. The presence of the coral obstructs the inflow ...