answersLogoWhite

0

coral polyps are soft bodied invertebrate that make up coral

User Avatar

Wiki User

16y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Natural Sciences

The symbiotic relationship that exists between coral polyps and zooxanthellae is called what?

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.


How do coral reefs form?

Coral reefs form as coral polyps secrete calcium carbonate to create hard skeletons that build up over time. These skeletons create the structure and foundation for the reef, which then grows as more coral polyps settle and reproduce on top of existing skeletons. Over time, this process creates the diverse and intricate ecosystems we know as coral reefs.


What grows within the tissues of the polyps?

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.


What is the general life cycle of coral?

Coral begins as a free-floating larva which settles on a hard surface. It then forms a colony and grows into a polyp, which reproduces asexually to create more polyps. These polyps secrete calcium carbonate to build a skeleton, creating the structure we know as a coral reef.


How do coral animals build their houses?

Coral animals, known as polyps, extract calcium carbonate from ocean water and use it to build their hard exoskeletons. These exoskeletons form the structure of coral reefs as multiple polyps work together to create a complex network of interconnected skeletons. Over time, the accumulation of these skeletons contributes to the growth and formation of coral reefs.

Related Questions