Posted: May 24th, 2017

What is the distribution of reef building corals, both geographically and with depth? What essential conditions do corals require?

What is the distribution of reef building corals, both geographically and with depth? What essential conditions do corals require?  Why do coral reefs show high primary productivity? (Hint: what organisms are the main contributors?) Describe the mutualistic relationship between corals and zooxanthellae. What are the costs and benefits to corals?  To zooxanthellae?  What is coral bleaching? What conditions lead to coral bleaching?