해양생물학
Coral Reef Symbiosis
Coral reefs are often described as the rainforests of the sea because of their extraordinary biodiversity. This diversity depends on a delicate partnership between coral po1 and microscopic algae called zooxanthellae, which live within the coral's tissue. Through photosynthesis, the algae supply the coral with ess2 nutrients, while the coral offers pro3 and access to sunlight. When water temperatures rise even sli4, this relationship can break down, causing the coral to expel its algae in a pr5 known as bleaching. Without the pig6 algae, the coral appears white and becomes increasingly vul7 to disease and starvation. Recovery is possible if favorable conditions return quickly, but pro8 stress often leads to widespread mortality across entire reef systems. Because reefs support roughly a quarter of all marine species, their decline threatens both eco9 stability and the coastal communities that depend on fishing and to10 for their livelihoods.