The Biology of Coral ReefsCoral reefs represent the most spectacular and diverse marine ecosystem on the planet as well as a critical source of income for millions of people. However, the combined effects of human activity have led to a rapid decline in the health of reefs worldwide, with many now facing complete destruction. This timely book provides an integrated overview of the function, physiology, ecology, and behaviour of coral reef organisms. Each chapter is enriched with a selection of 'boxes' on specific aspects written by internationally recognised experts. As with other books in the Biology of Habitats Series, the emphasis in this book is on the organisms that dominate this marine environment although pollution, conservation, climate change, and experimental aspects are also included. Indeed, particular emphasis is placed on conservation and management due to the habitat's critically endangered status. A global range of examples is employed which gives the book international relevance. This accessible text is intended for students, naturalists and professionals and assumes no previous knowledge of coral reef biology. It is particularly suitable for both senior undergraduate and graduate students (in departments of biology, geography, and environmental science) taking courses in coral reef ecology, marine biology, oceanography and conservation biology, as well as the many professional ecologists and conservation biologists requiring a concise overview of the topic. It will also be of relevance and use to reef managers, recreational divers, and amateur naturalists. |
Contents
The Main Reef Builders and Space Occupiers | 39 |
The Abiotic Environment | 75 |
Symbiotic Interactions | 98 |
Copyright | |
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Other editions - View all
The Biology of Coral Reefs Charles R. C. Sheppard,Simon K. Davy,Graham M. Pilling,Nicholas A. J. Graham Limited preview - 2018 |
The Biology of Coral Reefs Charles R. C. Sheppard,Simon K. Davy,Graham M. Pilling Limited preview - 2009 |
The Biology of Coral Reefs Charles Sheppard,Simon Davy,Graham Pilling,Nicholas Graham Limited preview - 2017 |
Common terms and phrases
abundance Acropora algae algal aragonite atolls bacteria Barrier Reef benthic biodiversity bioerosion biomass calcification carbon Caribbean caused cells changes Clade coastal colonies colour communities concentrations coral bleaching coral cover coral growth coral reef fish coral reefs coral skeleton coral species corallivorous currents cyanobacteria damage densities depth dinoflagellates diseases diversity dominant ecological ecosystem effects endolithic example feeding Figure fish species food chain grazing habitat herbivores heterotrophic impacts important increase Indian Ocean Indo-Pacific invertebrates Islands lagoon larvae limestone locations macroalgae Marine Biology microbial nitrogen nutrients occur organisms Pacific particles Photo photosynthetic plankton polyps populations Porites predators prey production range rates Red Sea reef fisheries reef flat reef growth reef system regions relatively result salinity sand sea cucumbers sea level seagrass seawater sediment shallow Sheppard soft corals Source sponges substrate surface symbiosis symbiotic temperature tentacles tion tissue tropical warming water column wave energy zooplankton zooxanthellae