Question

Mention the role of zooxanthallae in the formation of coral

reef.​

Answer 1

Answer:

Tiny plant cells called zooxanthellae live within most types of coral polyps. They help the coral survive by providing it with food resulting from photosynthesis. In turn, the coral polyps provide the cells with a protected environment and the nutrients they need to carry out photosynthesis.

Answer 2

Answer:

Stony corals owe their success as reef-builders to their symbiosis with dinoflagellate algae of the genus Symbiodinium (zooxanthellae). These algae live in coral tissues in extremely high densities (greater than 106 cm−2) and provide up to 90% of a coral's nutritional requirements (Muscatine & Porter 1977).