Essay On Coral Reefs

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Coral reefs are the most biologically diverse of shallow water marine ecosystems and highly valued ocean resources. Corals are Anthozoans, the largest class of organisms within the phylum Cnidaria. Cnidarians are incredibly diverse in form, body is radially symmetrical, multicellular, and mostly carnivorous some are filter feeders, exhibit planktonic larva that lives in aquatic and marine environments.. Two general body forms exist, medusa and polyp. Medusa having an umbrella shaped body they are free living and have a central projection on the inside of the umbrella. Polyp on the other hand, has a tubular body with a ring of tentacles around the mouth. Cnidarians are united based on the presumption that their nematocysts have been inherited from a single common ancestor. Coral Reefs are built through tiny colonies of marine animals. Most are…show more content…
It is a significant factor in all healthy ecosystems. Healthy ecosystems are essential to provide us with many natural resources. Coral reefs are believed to have the highest biodiversity ecosystem on the planet they provide millions of people with food, medicine, protection from storms, and revenue from fishing and tourism. They are home to more than twenty-five percent of marine life occupying less than one percent of the ocean floor. As coral reefs are in decline due to a combination of factors such as climate change and over fishing, the species which are being supported by the reef are at risk. In particular, fish communities have been shown to be the most affected. Fishing industries depends on coral reefs, many fish spawn there and juvenile fish spend time there before making their way to the open sea. They are critically important for the ecosystem goods and services they provide to maritime tropical and subtropical nations (Souter & Linden,
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