Basics
What phylum do corals belong to?
Cnidaria
What are the stinging cells used by corals?
Cnidocytes
What temperature range do coral reefs require?
16-35C (around 23-28C)
What algae live inside coral tissue?
What is it called when coral turns white due to stress?
Coral bleaching
What is the adult form of a coral called?
Polyp
Nematocysts
Up to what depth do reef-building corals grow?
About 20 meters
What type of relationship do corals have with these algae?
Mutualism
What is the decrease in ocean pH from CO2 called?
Ocean acidification
What is the free-swimming stage of coral called?
Planktonic larval stage
What substance forms the coral skeleton?
Calcium carbonate (CaCO3)
What must be low in water for light to penetrate?
Turbidity
What process do the algae use to make food?
Photosynthesis
Name one organism that eats coral
Crown-of-thorns starfish/parrotfish/butterfly fish
What is the asexual reproduction method in corals?
Budding
What is the cup-like structure a coral polyp lives in?
Calyx
What types of surface do coral larvae attach to?
Hard substrate
What is it called when corals catch zooplankton?
Predation
What does sediment block that harms coral?
Light
What is the sexual reproduction method where corals release gametes?
Broadcast spawning
What are the walls of the calyx called?
Theca
Saltwater
What process allows corals to absorb dissolved organic matter?
What is it called when coral loses more calcium carbonate than it gains?
Reef erosion