Abiotic Factors
 light, substrate, wave forces, sediment, and temperature
 Renewable resource – fish that live there
Biotic Factors
 Over 25% of all known fish are found in coral reefs
 5 plants o Forsk (Halodule univervis) o Ostenfield (Halophilla ovalis) o Aschers (Zostera capricorni)
 All of the above are sea grasses
 Habitat – Almost all ocean areas
 Trophic – Primary producer
 Adaptations – Rooted and hardy o No common name (Halimeda spp.) o Golden noodle algae (Chrysocystis fragilis)
 Both are algae species
 Habitat- Living on and around coral
 Trophic level – Primary Producer
 Adapatations – Photosynthesis
 5 animals o Leatherback turtle ( Dermochelys coriacea )

Habitat- Almost all ocean areas

Trophic Level- Secondary consumer

Adaptations – the ability to survive in both pelagic and shallow waters o Giant clam ( Tridacna gigas )

Habitat – coral reefs
 Trophic Level – Primary consumer

Adaptations – symbiotic relationship with algae o Stony corals (Porites spp.)
 Habitat – shallow reefs

 Trophic level – Primary producer
 Adaptations – sediment tolerant o Blowfish ( Tetraodontidae )

Habitat – coral reefs
 Trophic level – Secondary consumer

Adaptations – Ability to inflate oneself to appear larger to predators o Brittle Star ( ophiuroids)

Habitat – Deeper reefs

Trophic level – Primary consumer

Adaptations – Very cryptic
Human Interaction
 Tourism o Snorkeling o Scuba diving o Boating
 Water pollution
 Over fishing
 Coral bleaching o Silt buildup o Overgrowth of algae