Zooxanthellae also aid in the excretion, or removal of waste such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen. This is so important, in fact, approximately 90% of the nutrients produced during the photosynthesis in zooxanthellae is transferred to the coral for their use. In return for their protection for herbivores and other organisms, zooxanthellae photosynthesize organic compounds from the sun, and then pass the nutrients, glucose, glycerol, and amino acids, which are the products of photosynthesis, to their coral hosts, essentially giving the coral reefs their beautiful colors. The corals then use those nutrients to produce proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and calcium carbonate. The hard coral provides protection, as well as compounds needed for photosynthesis to occur. Zooxanthellae are microscopic, photosynthetic algae that reside inside the coral. The relationship between coral and zooxanthellae (algae), is one of the most important mutualistic relationships within the coral reef ecosystem. “Acacia Ants” photo via Wikimedia Commons under 2.0Ī more specific example of obligate mutualism that is more related to this topic would be the relationship between hard coral and algae (zooxanthellae). While the plant provides shelter and food for the ants, the ants actually defend the plant from organisms such as other herbivores that may eat the plant, as well as remove any other species of plants that may limit the plant’s growth. Obligate mutualism is when neither organism can live without one another.Īn example of obligate mutualism is the relationship between ants and Acacia plants.Mutualism, or a mutualistic relationship, by definition, is when two organisms of different species work together so that each is benefiting from the relationship. There are two primary types of mutualism: obligate mutualism and facultative mutualism. Mimicry is also frequently seen amongst coral reef organisms. They are mutualism, parasitism, and commensalism. There are three main types of symbiotic relationships. Symbiotic relationships are very common in the ocean, especially near coral reefs. The other species may also gain from the relationship, be unaffected or even get harmed from the relationship. These interactions create a balance within the ecosystem because at least one of the species is gaining from it. So, how do coral reefs support such a huge weight on their shoulders? It is the symbiotic relationship that is formed when two different species interact with each other. Coral reefs are home for many organisms such as sponges, fish including large nurse sharks and reef sharks to groupers, clownfish, eels, snappers, and parrotfish, jellyfish, anemones, crustaceans, other invertebrates and algae.
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