Life: The Science of Biology
11th Edition
ISBN: 9781319010164
Author: David E. Sadava, David M. Hillis, H. Craig Heller, Sally D. Hacker
Publisher: W. H. Freeman
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Chapter 56, Problem 3Q
Summary Introduction
To review:
The coral genera that is estimated to be declining most quickly, the reason behind its decline and the cause of its decline on the function of reef and biodiversity of the community reef.
Given:
Different genera of corals contribute different amounts of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) to the reefs. The rates of calcium deposition by different coral genera are represented in Table 1.
Table 1: Different genera of corals
| Coral genus | Average reef rugosity | Approximate mean rate of calcification (Kg CaCO3/m2/yr) |
| Orbicella | 1.87 | 13.80 |
| Acropora | 3.33 | 22.30 |
| Porites | 1.49 | 6.12 |
| Agaricia | 1.52 | 2.43 |
The change in reef rugosity and rate of calcification can be represented by two hypothetical conditions. In the graph, the two models are represented; the red line represents a model in which the reef cover declines from 45% to 10%. The blue line indicates the model in which the reef cover increases from 10% to 45%. This information is represented in Graph 1.
Percent changes in the reef cover, contributed by Acropora, Agaricia, Porites, and Orbicella is represented in Graph 2.
Introduction:
The coral genus that is most important in contributing to the reef-building is the Acropora. The Acropora is the slow-growing coral whose rate of CaCO3 deposition is more as compared to the other species. The calcium carbonate deposition is correlated to the reef rugosity. More amount of calcium deposition means the rugosity of the reef is more. The rugosity refers to the measurement of the seafloors, commonly used in the marine sciences. High rugosity means the presence of a complex surface, which is created by the coral depositions.
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Chapter 56 Solutions
Life: The Science of Biology
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