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Reef Corals: Mutualistic Symbioses Adapted to Nutrient-Poor Environments

1977/07/01 by L. Muscatine, James W. Porter · 51 citations
Environmental Science · Earth and Planetary Sciences · #Coral and Marine Ecosystems Studies #Marine and coastal plant biology #Marine and fisheries research

paper · doi:10.2307/1297526

Abstract

Adaptations resulting from the possession of endosymbiotic algae enable reef corals to flourish in nutrient-poor tropical waters. The major adaptations are (a) a poly trophic feeding capacity; (b) conservation of nutrients, such as nitrogen, by retention and recycling within a coral head; and (c) acceleration of calcification in the light. The functions of algae and animals thus superimposed result in an association which can exploit the environment better than either associant can alone.

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