Coral'A Cnidarian

1
Coral.A Cnidarian

• Where is coral found? What is its structural
  adaptations? How is it classified?

2
What is a coral?

• Corals are tiny animals that generally group
  together by the thousands forming colonies that
  attach to hard surfaces.
• These animals draw calcium carbonate from the sea
  water to build their skeletons.
• These skeletons are the limestone framework of
  tropical reefs.

3
When were corals discovered?

• Corals were discovered to be animals in 1753.
  Prior to that they had been classified as plants.
  French biologist, J.A. de Peysonell was the first
  to distinguish them as animals. They are in the
  phylum, Cnidarians, formerly Coelenterata which
  also includes jellyfish and anemones.

4
Harmful Corals

• The only corals that can result in harm to a
  diver are the fire corals. These corals have a
  mustard like color and their nematocysts,
  stinging barbs, can cause very painful burning if
  they come into contact with the skin.

5
Fire Coral

• This coral appears a mustard yellow in the water.
  Brushing against it will result in severe burning
  and itching. Use caution and stay clear of it.

6
How does a reef develop?

• In order for a reef to develop, the polyp form
  must thrive. This requires several critical
  environmental factors
• Water temperature
• Water movement
• Salinity
• Clarity
• Base for attachment

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Why these conditions?

• Requires a temperature of 70-85 F degrees to
  grow.
• Water movement refreshes the supply of plankton
  and of oxygen.
• Clarity allows light penetration for critical
  plankton growth.
• Source of salts for skeleton development.