Exploring Marine Ecosystems and Native Plants: Insights from Coral Reefs to Backyard Gardens
This paper gives a substantial and thorough review of existing and evolving intervention methods for coral reef restoration efforts. It specifically focuses on intervention methods that expand coral's natural ability to adapt to small changes in environmental conditions. By expanding these natural abilities, the hope is that we may be able to help coral adapt quickly enough to have a chance at surviving climate change.
A recent assignment for my Marine Biology class was to present on a chosen marine animal. Obviously, I chose coral. This is a collaborative work with my group members credited in the presentation. You can click through the slides to see what we put together.
Articulated red coralline algae grows in intertidal and subtidal coastal areas such as the tidepools where these photos were taken. The name "coralline" refers to the fact that these coral deposit calcium carbonate in their cell walls creating a hard outer covering that bears a resemblance to coral. This calcification of the thallus serves primarily to deter most herbivory as the hard material is extremely difficult to bite or chew.
Bahama sea stars have eyes at the tips of each arm. These eyes are capable of seeing light and dark areas and can form very low resolution images with no color. You can experience this for yourself with a very simple experiment.
I am constantly being surprised and delighted by horseshoe crabs! From their funny, bumper car-like walk and tiny, skittery feet to their ancient ancestry and their life-saving medical properties, these creatures are endlessly amazing.
Erica Lauer Vose 