What plant live in coral reefs?

Answer 1

Algae and seagrasses are the main types of plants found in a coral reef environment. They are primary

producers and provide the basic food supply for the entire reef ecosystem.

Algae range in size from simple unicellular plants such as zooxanthellae, found in the coral polyp to

multicellular branching forms which are commonly called sea weeds. Pigments in the algae give each

type its characteristic color, for example red algae, brown algae and green algae.

Two main types of multicellular algae found on reefs are coralline algae and calcareous algae. Not

only are these algae food for some coral reef animals, but they also contribute to the making of the

limestone framework of the reef.

Coralline algae are made up of masses of very fine thread-like filaments, that spread out in thin layers

over the reef rock surface. These filaments produce calcium carbonate thus giving the algae an

appearance more like a rock than a plant. The encrusting filaments trap sediments of sand, as well as

cement the particles of sand together. Thus coralline algae help to stabilize the coral reef structure.

Calcareous algae do not encrust like coralline algae, but grow erect. They too produce calcium

carbonate (limestone). When these algae die, the limestone remains produce sand. One type of

calcareous algae known as Halimeda produces about fifty percent of the sand found on some of our

beaches in the Caribbean.

Below are diagrams of some reef algae.

HALIMEDA PENCILLUS CORALLINA

Seagrass beds are often found in areas where coral reefs grow. Turtle grass, manatee grass and

shoal grass are three types of seagrasses commonly found in the Caribbean Sea. Unlike algae,

seagrasses are true flowering plants.

Seagrasses serve as a habitat and shelter for reef animals such as the young or juveniles of conch and

lobsters. These plants also provide food for many herbivorous reef fish. The leaves of seagrass are

also a habitat for very tiny organisms.

Answer 2

It really depends on which coral reef you are talking about, however, here is some information that I was able to come up with as the answer to your question. There is another world that exists apart from our lives. I am talking about a life beneath the deep blue seas, a life that holds mysteries and new discoveries for mankind. Also a life that humans tend to infiltrate, and sometimes for the wrong reasons.

Coral reefs have been around for the last 25 million years and are now almost endangered. They are a result of the production that has occurred all these years. Coral reefs provide a habitat for numerous other sea creatures. Let us take a look at how coral reefs are amongst the most diverse and productive communities on Mother Earth.

Coral Reefs:

For the last 25 million years, coral reefs are amongst the most biologically diverse regions on Earth. Often a mystery, coral reefs were called an animal, a plant animal or a plant. Corals are actually a result of a combination of plant and animal life. It contains microscopic structures of plants known as algae. These live within the corals.

Algae that live within the corals are called zooxanthellae. The tiny animals called polyps, which are connected by a living tissue actually constitute the corals. The polyps only exist in the uppermost area of the coral reef. A reef is a structure found in the shallow parts of the ocean. (This serves as a home to animals and plants). Sunken ships are also known to have turned into reefs. As one sees new layers of the reef being built, these polyps with their algae soon depart. And every time we can see new layer of the reef structure.

Coral reefs are categorized into three types:

Barrier reefs- Barrier reefs grow parallel to the shoreline. They are separated by water from the mainland.

Fringing reefs- Fringing reefs are permanent with the landmass.

Atolls- Atolls are islands. These are made of coral surrounding a central lagoon.

Coral Reef Plants:

The main types of plants that are found in the coral reef environment are basically algae and seagrasses. These are the most important element in the entire reef ecosystem. The algae can range in various sizes. They can be simple plants such as the zooxanthellae or the common known seaweeds. Seaweeds are multicellular branching forms. These provide food to the corals through photosynthesis.

The multicellular algae are divided into two types-

Coralline Algae:

These spread out in thin layers over the surface. They are made of masses of very fine thread like filaments and these filaments produce calcium carbonate, which in turn gives these algae a rock -like appearance. These are very important to stabilize the coral reef structure.

Calcareous Algae:

These produce calcium carbonate (limestone) and are known to grow erect. The limestone in turn produces the sand that is found on the beaches when these degenerate.

The seagrass beds are flowering plants. These provide shelter to sea creatures such as the conch or the lobsters. Tiny organisms are also known to live in their leaves. The rhizomes or the stems of the sea grass (with roots attached) anchor the plant. They also keep the seawater clean as they trap large amounts of sediments. They play a very important role in preventing beach erosion.

Coral Reef Animals:

Coral reefs house at least 25% of life in the ocean. Animals use these as a shelter and these also are a prime source of food for them. Corals are mainly associated with sea anemones, sea jellies, sea urchins, sponges, worms, rays, lobsters, snails etc. Corals are themselves seen in a variety of colors like blue or brown. This is because of the presence of zooxanthellae within their tissues. This leads to the natural pigmnetation, which in turn gives the color to the corals.

Today, we can see massive deterioration of the coral reefs. The causes however are uncertain. Experts have proven the coral reefs are beneficial and they are also an important part of the ecosystem. Coral reefs are also used as a part of various medicines for treatment of specific ailments. But with the constant destruction of the coral reefs, the scientists have now warned the next few years may see us lose these beautiful structures. Irresponsible human activities that lead to pollution, erosion and causes global warming are the main reasons behind their disappearance.

Answer 3

Plants like seaweed, live under water which is in the coral reef. I hope you understand

my answer. Thank you!

Answer 4

seaweed, coral, algae

Answer 5

Sea Grass, algae and more.

Answer 6

yes