Important Symbiotic Relationships

Haley Sullivan, Mathilde Perez-Huet

PlasmodiumProtists: apicomplexansParasiticRelease sporozoites into hostsComplex life cycles

www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEDhe4MPEMc

Life Cycle

Coral Reef RelationshipsPolypsAlgaeZooxanthellaeGreat Barrier ReefAccumulating pollutionStress

Polyps Coral reefs are found in shallow costal zones

of warm tropical oceansFormed by massive colonies of POLYPS POLYPS secrete a protective crust of

limestone (calcium carbonate) around their soft bodies. When they die, they leave behind their skeletons for animal usage.

Algae and Zooanthellae Coral reefs are formed by a relationship

between POLYPS and tiny single celled ALGAE called ZOOANTHELLAE.

ZOOANTHELLAE live inside the tissues of the POLYPS.

ZOOANTHELLAE provide the POLYPS with color, food, and oxygen. In return the POLYPS provide a home for the ALGAE.

Great Barrier Reef Coral reefs provide :1) Remove CO2 in the atmosphere2) Act as a natural barrier3) Give habitats for marine species4) Provided tourism and fishing

Accumulating pollution and Stress 60% of coral reefs are threatened by coastal

development,over fishing, ACCUMULATING POLLUTION, and warmer temperatures.

Coral bleaching- coral becomes STRESSED and expels its ALGAE.

This happens due to rising water temperature and runoff prevents photosynthesis. Unless the STRESS is removed, the ALGAE dies and the coral is unable to grow or repair itself. Takes up to a 1000 years to recover.