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Illustration depicting the factors in the balance of a healthy coral reef.

Illustration depicting the factors in the balance of a healthy coral reef.
Illustration depicting the factors in the balance of a healthy coral reef.
Illustration depicting the factors in the balance of a healthy coral reef.
Illustration depicting the factors in the balance of a healthy coral reef.
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Oberlander, E. Paul
Illustration depicting the factors in the balance of a healthy coral reef.
Illustration
01/12/2016
Coral_reef.jpg
Caption from Oceanus magazine, Vol. 51, No. 2, pg. 34:
On all coral reefs, an unseen tug of war is going on. While corals grow toward the sunlit surface, organisms called bioerodersmollusks, worms, and spongesbore into coral skeletons to find shelter. The bioeroders also sculpt nooks and crannies in the skeletons that create hiding places for other creatures. If all is in balance, the coral reef becomes a vibrant, diverse habitat (left). But if factors hinder coral growth or give bioeroders the upper hand, coral reefs will become flattened and struggle to keep pace with sea-level rise (right).
Illustration by E. Paul Oberlander, WHOI Graphic Services
© Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
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