A major distinction of cuttlefish from other squids is the presence of the cuttlebone. Primarily composed of aragonite, it is a porous, hard, and brittle structure found internally. The shell itself is chambered and made up of microscopic narrow layers connected by upright pillars (allthesea.com). The chambers become gas filled in the front and water filled in the rear to maintain the neutral buoyancy of the cuttlefish. The buoyancy allows the cuttlefish to hover over the floor of the oceans.
Reefs have been called the “rainforests of the sea,” because they provide homes to numerous marine animals (Trinh, 2012). Coral reefs can be found in shallow oceans where sunlight can be shown onto the reefs. There are a variety of reefs in all different shapes, sizes, colors, and animals. They feed on small fish and planktonie animals by using their long tentacles to reach their prey. Reefs are classified into a group called cnidaria.
WHAT ARE CORAL REEFS Coral reefs are underwater structures made from calcium carbonate secreted by corals. Corals are colonies of tiny living animals found in marine waters that contain few nutrients. Most coral reefs are built from stony corals, which in turn consist of polyps that cluster in groups. The polyps are like tiny sea anemones, to which they are closely related. But unlike sea anemones, coral polyps secrete hard carbonate exoskeletons which support and protect their bodies.
What is the relationship between the clownfish and the anemone? They have a symbiotic relationship. The anemone protects the clownfish using its stinging tentacles, which the clown fish are immune to. The clown fish protects the anemone by chasing away predators such as polyp-eating fish. The clown fish also fertilizes the anemone with its feces.
It lies long the entire length and is dorsal to the notochord and forms into a hollow tube. In later species is is modified into the brain and spinal cord. Finally there is the postanal tail. It was generally supported by the notochord or vertebral column. In provides a method of movement in aquatic
The Osmoregulatory Abilities of Two Intertidal Worms, Nereis virens and Phascolopsis gouldii Author’s Name: ___________________________________________________ Biology Department, Hendrix College, Conway, AR 72032 Nereis virens, clam worms, are common marine annelids, which are widespread in the intertidal zone of many beaches in New England. They are particularly abundant in the upper intertidal zone (Fig. 1), where specimens may be found under rocks and in beds of mussels and algae. Phascolopsis gouldii, peanut worms, are another common worm native to the New England coast. They can often be found buried in silty or muddy areas in the lower parts of the intertidal zone (Fig.
Olive Ridleys get their name from the coloring of their heart-shaped shell, which starts out gray but becomes olive green once the turtles are adult. Hatchlings are dark gray with a pale yolk scar, but appear all black when wet. Carapace length ranges from 37 to 50 mm. Olive Ridleys are omnivorous, meaning that they consume a varied diet from both plant and animal sources. Distribution Although Olive Ridleys spend time in the open ocean, they also forage in coastal waters and estuaries.Olive Ridley turtles are found only in warmer waters, including the southern Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans.
The three types are coral reefs are fringing reefs, barrier reefs, and atoll reefs. Fringing reefs are shallow and closer to the shore. Barrier reefs tend to be farther away from the shore and may contain a deep lagoon, separating it from the shore. Lastly, the atoll reefs are ring shaped, located around a deep lagoon. Atoll reefs can be found in the area near volcanic seamounts or islands deep in the
The Caribbean Coral Reef The world’s ocean is a very complex place, which many different organisms call home. Coral reefs occupy nearly 0.17% of the total surface of Earth (Bertness and Nybakken, 2005). They are one of the most diverse ecosystems found on Earth. Approximately 4-5% of all species are found on coral reefs (Bertness and Nybakken, 2005). A variety of fishes, invertebrate animals, and plants can be found on these underwater wonderlands.
By using their calcium carbonate shells, coral polyps create the basic structure of a reef. The growth of coral reefs occurs when polyps die. Once their shells harden, new polyps will form on top of the old. Coral polyps share a symbiotic relationship with tiny plant-like organisms called zooxanthellae. Without these microscopic organisms, the corals would not be able to survive.