... relationship. The algae turn sunlight into carbon and sugars, which are then available to the polyp. In turn the polyp filters particles out of the water and excretes waste (nitrogen and phosphorus) that becomes available to the symbiotic algae. It's this very tight nutrient recycling within the coral itself ... storms also damage reefs and devastate coastal areas. While large waves cause severe short-term damage to reefs, recovery is rapid, and part of a cycle of disturbance and recovery that helps shape healthy coral reefs. When the reef is already stressed by pollution or over fishing...

• Word Count: 2829
• Approx Pages: 11
• Grade Level: High School

... reefs their apparent color. When bleaching takes place, the zooxanthellae is expelled by the reef, which makes the reef look white, like it has been bleached. Bleaching occurs when the coral reef feels as if it "under stress", the most common "stress" a coral can face is the rising of the water temperature although, there are a number of biotic and abiotic ... the oceans where the temperature rises. In 1992 there was a study conducted by artificial intelligence to mock the process of coral bleaching so scientist could further study this. These investigations have come to the conclusions...

• Word Count: 641
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... , which then build more skeletons over the old ones. The actual coral mound or coral tree is made up of thousands of layers of dead coral polyps covered by a very thin layer of living polyps. Coral reefs are divided into four different classes: fringing reefs, barrier reefs, atolls and patch reefs. ... in perfect harmony in order for the reef to thrive. There are many threats that humans pose to the coral, the increase of sedimentation, fishing, collection of coral, water pollution, and careless recreation all destroy coral reefs. Construction along the coasts, inshore construction, minin...

• Word Count: 1601
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School