Coral and algae (specifically the algae called zooxanthellae) have an intimate symbiotic relationship. The algae live inside the coral, and provide it with sugars and other photosynthesis byproducts. The coral provides the algae with nutrients for photosynthesis and a safe place to live and reproduce.
Coral polyps provide a home and nutrients for algae through photosynthesis, while the algae provide oxygen and essential nutrients to the coral polyps through their waste. This mutualistic relationship, known as coral-algae symbiosis, helps both organisms thrive in nutrient-poor ocean environments.
Algae
The symbiotic relationship between coral polyps and zooxanthellae is called mutualistic, as both organisms benefit from the partnership. Zooxanthellae provide energy through photosynthesis to the coral polyps, while the coral provides shelter and nutrients to the zooxanthellae.
It's a mutualistic symbiosis, and occours in corals, jellyfishes and other polyps.* The symbionts, called zoochlorellae if they are green algae or zooxanthellae if they are protozoans, with photosynthesis produce: # Sugars, wich can feed the host up to 90% of its energy request. # Oxygen. * The cnidarian (coral, jellyfish or hydropolyp) gives to zoochlorellae (or to zooxanthellae) his products of waste: # CO2 (which decreasing helps hermatypic corals forming their skeletons) # Minerals. # Nitrogen. In order to perform photosynthesis, zoochlorellae and zooxanthellae need light, so they can stay only in shallow waters.
Within the tissues of coral polyps, symbiotic algae known as zooxanthellae grow. These microscopic organisms perform photosynthesis, converting sunlight into energy that benefits the coral. In return, the coral provides the algae with nutrients and a protected environment. This mutualistic relationship is crucial for the health and growth of coral reefs.
The relationship between the algae and coral is a mutualistic symbiosis. In this relationship, both organisms benefit: the algae provide essential nutrients to the coral through photosynthesis, while the coral offers the algae protection and a stable environment to thrive. This interdependent partnership is crucial for the health of coral reefs.
The algae helps the coral by producing oxygen and other nutrients that are required by the coral. The coral produces carbon dioxide for the algae as well as other substances the algae requires.
Algae are not parasites to coral polyps because they engage in a mutualistic relationship rather than a parasitic one. Coral polyps host symbiotic algae called zooxanthellae, which perform photosynthesis and provide the corals with essential nutrients and energy. In return, the corals offer the algae a protected environment and access to sunlight. This mutualism benefits both organisms, contrasting with parasitism, where one organism harms the other for its own benefit.
In theory....no, the hair algae doesnt kill corals, what does kill the coral is hair algae growing profusely next to it preventing the coral extending its polyps and getting sun light. Algae can cover the 'mat' of some species of coral such as xenia and star polyps also preventing the polyps from extending and getting nutrients and sunlight. = = Another possibility is that some conditions that favor algae may not favor the life of the coral such as temperature of the wate and pH of the water.
The critical abiotic factor in the growth of coral polyps is sunlight, specifically the availability of light for photosynthesis. Coral polyps have a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae, photosynthetic algae that live within their tissues. These algae require sunlight to produce the energy needed for both themselves and the coral, making light a vital component for coral growth and health. Additionally, other factors like water temperature and salinity also play important roles, but light is fundamental to their growth.
Coral polyps are tiny animals that build protective calcium carbonate skeletons around themselves. Coral polyps create the basic structure of coral reefs with the help of single-celled algae.
Coral have a symbiotic relationship with zooxanthellae, photosynthetic algae that live inside the coral's tissues and provide energy through photosynthesis. Coral polyps also form partnerships with tiny organisms called zooxanthellae, which live inside their tissues and give corals their vibrant colors. Additionally, some species of fish, such as clownfish, have a mutualistic relationship with coral where they seek shelter among the coral branches and protect the coral from predators in exchange for a safe habitat.