16
2 Overview of the Aquatic Ecosystem
was 42.66 and −23.34 mm between March and May. These values are based on
average between 2003 and 2016 (Abd-Elbaky and Jin 2019). The TWS at different
parts of the year therefore varies with the season depending on rainfall.
Currently, the Amazon rain forest is threatened by deforestation. The felling of
trees at a rate faster than the forest can grow new trees denies several species their
habitat, cover and a source of food, consequently leading to a decline in population.
This results in the loss of plant species which depend on the larger trees for cover and
temperature control and species such as woodpecker which depends on the trees for
shelter and protection from prey. Likewise as the population of the organisms which
are a source of food for the larger prey decline, the larger organisms which prey on
them also begin to die out.
2.2.8 The Coral Reefs
The coral reef is commonly referred to as an underwater city as it is made up of
living structure which houses a very diverse range of aquatic species with complex
relationships. The reef itself is made up of organisms referred to as the corals which
build a protective housing made up of limestone within which they permanently live.
The corals have a symbiotic relationship with algae where they make use of the energy
produced by algae from photosynthesis to build their limestone structure. Coral reefs
exist within the epipelagic zone (sunlight zone), usually within the 35 m depth of the
sea fringe. Although it is commonly referred to as the coral reef, the term biological
reef is also used as a way to better highlight its significance and also provides a term
that also credits the significant role of another organism which plays a very important
role in creating these reefs, the algae. Algae provide the energy which is required
by the corals to build these reefs. The energy produced from photosynthesizing
organisms such as the sea grass and algae serves as a power source for the coral reef,
such that these underwater habitats are essentially solar powered. Collectively, corals
can build the underwater structure known as coral reefs extending up to thousands
of miles. The largest coral reef on earth is that which exists in the northern coast
of Australia, referred to as the Great Barrier Reef. Organisms which can be found
within and around the coral reef include a range of finfish species, sea horses, starfish,
anemones, sea cucumbers, clown fishes, mantis shrimp, sea turtles and much more.
The algae, the shells of crustaceans, the skin and even scales of the fish all comprise
a range of biopolymers which will be explored in different sections of this book. The
coral reef serves an important role in maintaining the aquatic biodiversity which in
turn is significant toward the availability of diverse range of aquatic biopolymers.
Recent studies reveal that the Great Barrier Reef is a source of net release of
CO 2 to the environment (Lonborg et al. 2019). The coral reefs therefore potentially
contribute to global warming based on the theory that CO 2 results in the overall
increase in the earth’s temperature. On the other hand, the Great Barrier Reef is valued
at AU$ 56 billion (Pendleton et al. 2019). This is value derived from recreational
activities, tourism and fisheries. The coral reefs are also quite fragile and are at risk
2 Overview of the Aquatic Ecosystem
was 42.66 and −23.34 mm between March and May. These values are based on
average between 2003 and 2016 (Abd-Elbaky and Jin 2019). The TWS at different
parts of the year therefore varies with the season depending on rainfall.
Currently, the Amazon rain forest is threatened by deforestation. The felling of
trees at a rate faster than the forest can grow new trees denies several species their
habitat, cover and a source of food, consequently leading to a decline in population.
This results in the loss of plant species which depend on the larger trees for cover and
temperature control and species such as woodpecker which depends on the trees for
shelter and protection from prey. Likewise as the population of the organisms which
are a source of food for the larger prey decline, the larger organisms which prey on
them also begin to die out.
2.2.8 The Coral Reefs
The coral reef is commonly referred to as an underwater city as it is made up of
living structure which houses a very diverse range of aquatic species with complex
relationships. The reef itself is made up of organisms referred to as the corals which
build a protective housing made up of limestone within which they permanently live.
The corals have a symbiotic relationship with algae where they make use of the energy
produced by algae from photosynthesis to build their limestone structure. Coral reefs
exist within the epipelagic zone (sunlight zone), usually within the 35 m depth of the
sea fringe. Although it is commonly referred to as the coral reef, the term biological
reef is also used as a way to better highlight its significance and also provides a term
that also credits the significant role of another organism which plays a very important
role in creating these reefs, the algae. Algae provide the energy which is required
by the corals to build these reefs. The energy produced from photosynthesizing
organisms such as the sea grass and algae serves as a power source for the coral reef,
such that these underwater habitats are essentially solar powered. Collectively, corals
can build the underwater structure known as coral reefs extending up to thousands
of miles. The largest coral reef on earth is that which exists in the northern coast
of Australia, referred to as the Great Barrier Reef. Organisms which can be found
within and around the coral reef include a range of finfish species, sea horses, starfish,
anemones, sea cucumbers, clown fishes, mantis shrimp, sea turtles and much more.
The algae, the shells of crustaceans, the skin and even scales of the fish all comprise
a range of biopolymers which will be explored in different sections of this book. The
coral reef serves an important role in maintaining the aquatic biodiversity which in
turn is significant toward the availability of diverse range of aquatic biopolymers.
Recent studies reveal that the Great Barrier Reef is a source of net release of
CO 2 to the environment (Lonborg et al. 2019). The coral reefs therefore potentially
contribute to global warming based on the theory that CO 2 results in the overall
increase in the earth’s temperature. On the other hand, the Great Barrier Reef is valued
at AU$ 56 billion (Pendleton et al. 2019). This is value derived from recreational
activities, tourism and fisheries. The coral reefs are also quite fragile and are at risk