reef systems
Marine limestone structures
Reef systems are interconnected ecological structures built primarily by coral colonies, along with the organisms that inhabit them.
The term encompasses not just the physical limestone formations but the entire complex of relationships among corals, fish, algae, and invertebrates.
Marine biologists study reef systems to understand how these environments function as integrated wholes: The reef system supports thousands of species.
Reef systems face threats from warming oceans, acidification, and pollution.
- atollRing-shaped reef island
- coralMarine skeletal formation
- limestoneCarbonate sedimentary rock
- coral bleachingStress-induced reef discoloration
- parrotfishBeak-jawed coral-eating fish
sea turtles · coral gardens · polyps · tropical fish · symbiosis · calcification · overfishing · spawning grounds · seagrass · algae · sponges · echinoderms · mangroves · sea level rise · ocean acidification · scuba diving · diving · spawning
reef systemsopen ocean
Sea far from shore
deep sea · open water · sandy bottoms · mud flats · blue water