/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 23 Corals have a mutualistic relati... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

91Ó°ÊÓ

Corals have a mutualistic relationship with photosynthetic algae in the photic zones of water. What purpose does this serve? a. Corals are able to derive their nutrition from the algae and thus survive in the nutritionally poor water. b. Corals are able to accumulate calcium carbonate from the algae. c. They can form coral reefs because of this association. d. The corals provide protection to the algae.

Short Answer

Expert verified
a. Corals derive their nutrition from algae, allowing them to survive in poor water.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Relationship

Corals and photosynthetic algae (zooxanthellae) have a mutualistic relationship, meaning both organisms benefit from this association.
02

Identify the Benefit to Corals

Determine how corals benefit from the relationship with algae. Algae photosynthesize and provide essential nutrients to corals.
03

Understand Nutrient Supply

Recognize corals live in nutritionally poor waters. The algae aid corals by supplying organic compounds produced during photosynthesis.
04

Evaluate Options

Review each option and assess if it matches the identified benefit: a. Algae supply nutrients, enabling corals to survive in poor waters.b. There's no evidence of algae transferring calcium carbonate to corals.c. Coral reefs are a result of coral growth, facilitated by nutrient access.d. Corals do provide protection, but the main benefit is nutrient supply.
05

Select the Correct Answer

Option a is correct. Algae provide nutrition, allowing corals to thrive in areas where nutrients are otherwise scarce.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!

Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

coral and algae symbiosis
Corals and algae form a unique mutualistic relationship. This means both corals and algae benefit from living together.
Corals house the algae in their tissues. In return, the algae perform photosynthesis and provide essential nutrients to the corals. This helps corals thrive in nutrient-poor environments.
Corals give algae a safe place to live and access to sunlight. They also provide carbon dioxide and other compounds necessary for photosynthesis. This collaboration is crucial for the health and survival of both the corals and algae.
nutrient cycling in marine ecosystems
Nutrient cycling is essential for maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. In the case of corals and algae, this cycling supports the growth of coral reefs. These reefs offer habitats to many marine species.
Algae perform photosynthesis and convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and organic compounds. These compounds provide energy and nutrients to corals. This nutrient exchange allows corals to grow and build calcium carbonate structures, forming the reef.
Coral reefs play a significant role in nutrient cycling by breaking down organic material and recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. This process supports a diverse and balanced marine environment.
photosynthesis in aquatic environments
Photosynthesis in aquatic environments is vital for the survival of many marine organisms. Algae, including those living within corals, perform photosynthesis by utilizing sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water.
In this process, they produce oxygen and energy-rich organic compounds. These compounds support not only the algae but also the corals they live with.
This photosynthetic activity is especially important in the photic zone, where sunlight penetrates the water. It drives the productivity of the ecosystem and supports various life forms.
Overall, photosynthesis in aquatic environments fuels the marine food web and sustains the diversity of marine life.

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Is it possible to reverse global warming? What measures may help in reducing global climate change? a. It is possible to reverse global warming by reducing the usage of fossil fuels, using alternative fuels, using alternatives to CFC’s and using natural sources of energy. b. It is not possible to reverse global warming, as major climate changes have already been occurred and settled in the environment. Reducing fossil fuel usage, using natural sources of energy and alternative fuels may slow down global climate change. c. It is not possible to reverse global warming, as we are already witnessing changes in the environment, plants and animal behavior. Reducing fossil fuel usage and using natural sources of energy may slow down global climate change. d. It is possible to reverse global warming by working on new technologies that will help in preventing temperature changes worldwide. Using wind power and high efficiency natural gas generation will help in achieving this goal.

Explain the challenges facing organisms living in the intertidal zone and their adaptations to meet these challenges. a. They are subject to constant exposure to air, sunlight, periods of dryness, and pounding waves. For this reason, some species have an exoskeleton. b. They are subject to periodic exposures to air, sunlight, periods of dryness, and pounding waves. For this reason, some species have an exoskeleton. c. They are subject to periodic exposures to air, sunlight, periods of dryness, and pounding waves. For this reason, all species have an exoskeleton. d. They are subject to periodic exposures to air, sunlight, periods of dryness, and pounding waves. For this reason, most species have an endoskeleton.

The amount of sunlight and rainfall affects the growing season of plants in different biomes Which of the following biomes is characterized by short growing seasons? a. savanna b. temperate grasslands c. arctic tundra d. tropical wet forest

An ecologist hiking up a mountain may notice different biomes along the way due to changes in all of the following except ____. a. elevation b. rainfall c. latitude d. temperature

Define and give an example of organismal, population and community ecology a. Organismal ecology includes the study of the number of individuals in an area as well as how and why population size changes over time, such as a study of the drop in antelope population. Population ecology includes the study of adaptations that enable individuals to live in specific habitats, such as a study of the use of opposable thumbs. Community ecology includes the study of the processes and consequences of interactions within and among different species in an area, such as a study of interactions between wolves and deer. b. Organismal ecology includes the study of the processes and consequences of interactions within and among different species in an area, such as a study of the interactions between wolves and deer. Population ecology includes the study of the number of individuals in an area as well as how and why population size changes over time, such as a study of the drop in antelope population. Community ecology includes the study of adaptations that enable individuals to live in specific habitats, such as a study of the use of opposable thumbs. c. Organismal ecology includes the study of adaptations that enable individuals to live in specific habitats, such as a study of the use of opposable thumbs. Population ecology includes the study of the number of individuals in an area as well as how and why population size changes over time, such as a study of the drop in antelope population. Community ecology includes studies of the processes and consequences of interactions within and among different species in an area, such as a study of the interactions between wolves and deer. d. Organismal ecology includes studies of the adaptations that enable individuals to live in specific habitats, such as a study of the use of opposable thumbs. Population ecology includes studies of the processes and consequences of interactions within and among different species in an area, such as a study of the interactions between wolves and deer. Community ecology includes studies of the number of individuals in an area as well as how and why population size changes over time, such as a study of the drop in antelope population.

See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Biology Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.