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Project Noah Nature School
Porites porites
The coral has blunt tips with tiny close-spaced tips. The brown color is the result of algae. The coral and algae exist in a symbiotic relationship. The algae, via photosynthesis provide energy for the coral, and aid in calcification. The algae benefit from a safe place to live and consume the polyp's carbon dioxide and nitrogenous waste.
Shallow tropical marine water with moderate to strong wave action.
This coral was found in the tide zone.
Spotted on Dec 23, 2011
Submitted on Dec 27, 2011
3 Comments
Very good - lichen is a perfect example of symbiosis!
Plants came before animals. What do you think of the lichen presentation?
Another nice spot & good info glbnoah! Your spottings are a welcome addition to the mission as they demonstrate the incredible interdependencies that fuel the whole ecosystem in the reefs.