Zooplankton feeding by corals underestimated
Research by marine biologists from Wageningen University has shown that feeding on zooplankton by scleractinian corals has been greatly underestimated.
Research by marine biologists from Wageningen University has shown that feeding on zooplankton by scleractinian corals has been greatly underestimated.
Scientists from Taiwan and Israel have found that octocorals are important reef builders. This exciting discovery makes us rethink the very nature of coral reefs.
Epizoic coral flatworms have been found to compete with their coral host for zooplankton. This finding is in agreement with the theory that symbiotic coral flatworms are parasitic.
Small polyped stony corals are often believed to simply rely on strong lighting and dissolved nutrients. But even these corals capture significant amounts of plankton.
| Immunology |
| Written by Tim Wijgerde |
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Immunity is an important part of animal survival, and this is no different in the oceans. Fish, corals and numerous other invertebrate animals have evolved intricate immune systems, which they utilize in their defense and survival. Recent studies have also found that the onset of the Cnidarian/algal symbiosis is similar to a pathogen infecting its host, and that this process is likely regulated by the Cnidarian’s immune system. |