Animal Adaptations:
Due to the complex structures of coral reefs, with their many nooks, crannies, and hiding spaces, fish have adapted a body structure to easily maneuver through the coral. In open water fish have adapted bodies to swim faster, but within the coral reefs fish have adapted bodies that are flat (like a pancake) and maneuverable. Also the pectoral and pelvic fins have switched places. This corresponds, and works with the flatter body. Fish found in coral reefs also have bright coloring to help with mating or camouflage. Due to the wide variety of prey found in coral reefs, the fish have developed a generalized feeding structure to take advantage of the biodiversity. Lastly sessile animals, such as coral, have adapted toxins to keep away predators.
Plant Adaptations
In order to collect the sunlight needed for photosynthesis, plants in coral reefs have larger cells. Plants have also created many symbiotic relationships with other animals in order to survive.
Examples include:
-Zooxanthellae lives inside the polyps in coral. In exchange the protection the coral provides, the Zooxanthellae provides the coral with needed nutrients.
- Sea grasses live in between the coral reefs, and they transfer nutrients to the coral. Their roots are adapted to keep the plant in place during strong ocean currents. When the sea grass dies it helps to create future plant growth.
-Mangroves grow behind the coral reefs. They grow above the sea water, and their roots protect from the sediment overpowering the coral.
Examples include:
-Zooxanthellae lives inside the polyps in coral. In exchange the protection the coral provides, the Zooxanthellae provides the coral with needed nutrients.
- Sea grasses live in between the coral reefs, and they transfer nutrients to the coral. Their roots are adapted to keep the plant in place during strong ocean currents. When the sea grass dies it helps to create future plant growth.
-Mangroves grow behind the coral reefs. They grow above the sea water, and their roots protect from the sediment overpowering the coral.