Coral reefs are destroyed from the inside by bioerosive sponges. In search of evacuation from predators, these sponges tunneled into carbonated coral structures, thereby weakening coral reefs. 28янв. 2019г.
Do sponges make coral reefs?
Sponge leaf is a leaf made of Hexactinellid sponge, and its skeleton is made of silica, which is sometimes called glass sponge. Such coral reefs are now very rare and can only be found on the continental shelf in western Canada.
How harmful is a sponge?
Sponges also produce their own toxins through normal metabolism or in cooperation with many microorganisms that live within the sponge. Whatever the source of these toxic chemicals, many have been found to be highly toxic to other organisms.
What are the dangerous creatures for coral reefs?
In addition to the weather, corals are vulnerable to predation. Fish, sea worms, barnacles, crabs, snails and starfish all prey on the soft internal tissues of coral polyps. In extreme cases, too many predators can destroy an entire coral reef.
Why is sponge important for coral reefs?
Coral reefs are one of the most vibrant ecosystems on the planet, but they thrive in nutrient-deficient waters. This is a phenomenon known as the Darwinian paradox. The team discovered that sponges keep coral reefs alive by recycling large amounts of organic matter to feed snails, crabs, and other creatures.
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