Coral and Zooxanthellae

 C4.1.12 Mutualism as an interspecific relationship that benefits both

species
Include these examples: root nodules in Fabaceae (legume family),
mycorrhizae in Orchidaceae (orchid family) and zooxanthellae in hard corals.
In each case include the benefits to both organisms.

 B4.1.5 Conditions required for coral reef formation

Coral reefs are used here as an example of a marine ecosystem. Factors should
include water depth, pH, salinity, clarity and temperature.

 D4.3.7 Threats to coral reefs as an example of potential ecosystem

collapse
Increased carbon dioxide concentrations are the cause of ocean acidification
and suppression of calcification in corals. Increases in water temperature are a
cause of coral bleaching. Loss of corals causes the collapse of reef ecosystems.

Videos:
 Is a Coral a Predator, a Producer, or Both?
 Coral Bleaching
 Ocean Acidification

Summary questions:

1. Explain how coral polyps and zooxanthellae are in a mutualistic

relationship? What are the benefits to both organisms? (5)

2. Explain how increases in global CO2 levels and increases in temperature

can cause ecosystem collapse (Use the following points to guide you: 1.
Coral bleaching. 2. Ocean acidification. 3. Effects on biodiversity and
ecosystem sustainability. (8)
Answer Key:

1. Coral Polyps and Zooxanthellae Mutualistic Relationship:

 Coral polyps provide shelter and protection for zooxanthellae within

their tissues.
 Zooxanthellae, photosynthetic algae, supply coral polyps with essential
nutrients through photosynthesis.
Benefits to Coral Polyps:
 Nutrient supply: Photosynthesis produces sugars and organic
compounds as energy sources.
 Increased calcification: Nutrients aid in building and maintaining calcium
carbonate skeletons.
 Enhanced stress resistance: Zooxanthellae presence improves resilience
to environmental stressors.
Benefits to Zooxanthellae:
 Protection and habitat: Coral polyps offer a safe environment and access
to sunlight.
 Nutrient availability: Waste products and metabolic by-products serve as
nutrients.
 Waste removal: Coral polyps help remove excess oxygen, preventing
oxidative damage.
 Effects of Increased CO2 Levels and Temperature on Ecosystem Collapse:

2. Coral Bleaching:
 Elevated temperatures cause coral polyps to expel zooxanthellae,
leading to bleaching.
 Without symbiotic algae, corals lose primary nutrition sources and
become vulnerable to stress and disease.
 Prolonged bleaching events result in widespread coral death and reef
ecosystem collapse.
Ocean Acidification:
 Increased CO2 leads to higher dissolved carbon dioxide concentrations,
lowering seawater pH.
 Acidification impairs coral and calcifying organism ability to build calcium
carbonate skeletons.
 Weakened coral structures make reefs vulnerable to physical damage
from storms and erosion.
 The oceans are a major carbon sink (i.e. stores CO2 from the
atmosphere)
  Some of the CO2 remains dissolved, but most of it is chemically
converted. CO2 is converted into carbonic acid, which dissociates to
release H+ ions
 This conversion impacts marine organisms (such as coral) in a number of
ways:

 It increases ocean acidity, which can stress coral survival (⬆ H+ = ⬇ pH)

 It lowers carbonate levels, which is required for shells and exoskeletons.
These conditions can cause coral to expel mutualistic algae (coral
bleaching)

Effects on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Sustainability:

 Coral reefs support diverse marine life, serving as essential habitats,
food sources, and nursery grounds.
 Loss of coral reefs disrupts ecological relationships, diminishing
biodiversity within marine ecosystems.
 Diminished biodiversity undermines ecosystem resilience and stability,
making them more susceptible to further degradation and collapse.