Navigation Links
Hidden sponges determine coral reef's nutrient cycle

Marine organisms hidden in caves, such as sponges, play an extremely important role in the nutrient cycle of coral reefs. Indeed they probably play the most important role of all, says Dutch biologist Sander Scheffers. And that is valuable information for nature conservationists who want to preserve the coral reefs.

In order to protect coral reefs it is important to understand how both the reefs and their environment function. Researchers often concentrate on subjects such as physical damage to reefs, the bleaching of coral and coral diseases. Sander Scheffers investigated a lesser-studied subject: the nutrient cycle on the coral reef and the role that organisms living in cavities, such as sponges, play in this.

Underwater camera

To determine the nature and size of this role, Scheffers first of all examined the precise appearance and quantity of these virtually inaccessible caves and their living communities. He did that on the Caribbean island of Curaao using a special underwater camera. The films shot revealed that sponges were the most important inhabitants, followed by animals such as tube worms, tunicates and bivalves. Together they fill more than 60 percent of the cavities. Further the cavities were found to have a surface area eight times greater than that of the coral reef, as seen from above by divers.

Filterers

And according to Scheffers a larger living surface also means a larger filtering surface. Sponges filter the water. They take up planktonic particles such as bacteria and excrete inorganic nutrients. In turn, these nutrients can facilitate the growth of marine plants and other organisms.

Sponges filter at a phenomenal rate: if the seawater were to remain stationary, the sponges would have completely pumped it away within five minutes, i.e. they would have removed all of the small plankton from it. This is of course not the case, as there is a continuous supply of fresh water into the sea
'"/>

Source:Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research


Page: 1 2

Related biology news :

1. Hidden-hero microbes in soil, water may help naturally clean toxic sites
2. Newly-discovered class of genes determines ?and restricts ?stem cell fate
3. Biologists determine genetic blueprint of social amoeba
4. USC researchers determine mechanism of action of chemotherapy drug
5. Weapon performance determines mating success in the collared lizard
6. Scientists determine structure of enzyme that disrupts bacterial virulence
7. New technique helps researchers determine amino-acid charge
8. Researchers unlock how cells determine their functions
9. Researchers map out networks that determine cell fate
10. Genetic tug of war determines sexual differentiation
11. Structure determined for p53 tumor suppressor protein as bound to DNA for anti-cancer activity
Post Your Comments:
*Name:
*Comment:
*Email:
TAG: Hidden sponges determine coral reef nutrient cycle

(Date:5/24/2013)... the immune system to combat metastatic cancer , ... destruction by the immune system. Stimulation of the immune ... are many factors that cause the immune system to ... that function to suppress the immune system response. In ... , researchers led by Ronald Levy at Stanford University ...
(Date:5/24/2013)... from around the world today issued a stark warning ... one or two generations, the majority of the 9 ... handicap of severe pressure on fresh water, an absolutely ... This handicap will be self-inflicted and is, we believe, ... underlying problems led by mismanagement and sent a prescription ...
(Date:5/23/2013)... Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University, ... Technology, have received a $4 million grant over ... Emory University (Health and Exposome Research Center: Understanding ... center grant awarded in the United States. ... National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) of ...
Breaking Biology News(10 mins):JCI early table of contents for May 24, 2013 2JCI early table of contents for May 24, 2013 3JCI early table of contents for May 24, 2013 4JCI early table of contents for May 24, 2013 5JCI early table of contents for May 24, 2013 6JCI early table of contents for May 24, 2013 7JCI early table of contents for May 24, 2013 8A majority on Earth face severe self-inflicted water woes within 2 generations: Scientists 2A majority on Earth face severe self-inflicted water woes within 2 generations: Scientists 3A majority on Earth face severe self-inflicted water woes within 2 generations: Scientists 4Emory, Georgia Tech receive first human exposome center grant in US 2Emory, Georgia Tech receive first human exposome center grant in US 3
... has been brought back to life in stunning 3D ... In a paper published in the latest issue of ... Ghent University in Belgium report on the use of ... (VHR-CT) to digitally dissect tiny fossils and reveal the ...
... Gene therapy administered intravenously could be an effective agent ... of ionizing radiation in the event of large-scale exposure ... animal study presented today by University of Pittsburgh researchers ... for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) in Los Angeles. ...
... Oct. 26, 2007 From defusing bombs to treating post ... The University of Houston will host a Department of ... and 2 at the Hilton UH Hotel and Conference Center. ... give attendees an opportunity to connect with DoD services and ...
Cached Biology News:Scientist brings 50 million year old spider 'back to life' 2Intravenous gene therapy protects normal tissue of mice during whole-body radiation 2US Army, US Navy, US Air Force, US Marines, US Department of Defense conference held at UH 2US Army, US Navy, US Air Force, US Marines, US Department of Defense conference held at UH 3
(Date:5/23/2013)... 2013 Graphite Metallizing Corporation announces ... mounted in stainless steel pillow blocks. This series ... with the application and installation versatility of pillow ... work exceptionally well when submerged in water, ... such as acids, alkalies, hydrocarbons, black liquor, and ...
(Date:5/23/2013)... May 23, 2013 PI’s new ... and provide 15 mm travel range with closed-loop ... small dimensions make these new positioners the ideal ... A vacuum rated version is also available. ... and datasheets can be found at: , ...
(Date:5/23/2013)... Miami, FL (PRWEB) May 23, 2013 ... made trips to supermarkets to search for the ... grocery store aisles. Results from a year long study ... bacteria level in foods, specifically meats, over previous years. ... explains how the growth of antibiotic resistant bacteria in ...
(Date:5/23/2013)... -- Verenium Corporation (Nasdaq: VRNM ), a leading ... of high-performance enzymes, today announced that Jeffrey ... two upcoming conferences. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120924/MM79973LOGO ) ... Annual Marcum LLP Microcap Conference on Thursday, May 30, ... City.  The presentation is scheduled to begin at 4:30 ...
Breaking Biology Technology:Graphite Metallizing Now Offers GRAPHALLOY® Stainless Steel Pillow Blocks for Success in Submersible Applications 2Graphite Metallizing Now Offers GRAPHALLOY® Stainless Steel Pillow Blocks for Success in Submersible Applications 3Precision Positioning System Uses Miniaturezed Piezo Linear Motor: LPS-24 Linear Stage by PI 2Acne Cream, Probiotic Action Shares News on How Some Food may Breed Acne Causing Bacteria 2Verenium To Present At Two Upcoming Conferences 2Verenium To Present At Two Upcoming Conferences 3
... Intellect Neurosciences, Inc. ( OTC Bulletin Board : ILNS ... for the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer,s disease released today the ... CEO. , , Dear Shareholders, ... to serve as Chairman and CEO of Intellect Neurosciences Inc., which ...
... is $45.8 billion, 180,007 jobs , , ... Carolina has invested more than $1 billion in its expanding ... economic impact exceeds $45 billion, according to data released today ... , Norris Tolson, president and CEO of the ...
... MADISON, N.J., Nov. 20 At a meeting of the ... today, a dividend of fifty cents($0.50) per share on the ... 2009 to stockholders of record at the close of business,on ... Wyeth is one of the world,s largest research-driven pharmaceutical and,health ...
Cached Biology Technology:Intellect Neurosciences, Inc. Issues Letter to Shareholders From Its Chairman and CEO 2Intellect Neurosciences, Inc. Issues Letter to Shareholders From Its Chairman and CEO 3Intellect Neurosciences, Inc. Issues Letter to Shareholders From Its Chairman and CEO 4Intellect Neurosciences, Inc. Issues Letter to Shareholders From Its Chairman and CEO 5North Carolina's Biotechnology Investment Tops Billion-Dollar Mark; Battelle Study Quantifies Economic Dividends and Jobs 2North Carolina's Biotechnology Investment Tops Billion-Dollar Mark; Battelle Study Quantifies Economic Dividends and Jobs 3North Carolina's Biotechnology Investment Tops Billion-Dollar Mark; Battelle Study Quantifies Economic Dividends and Jobs 4North Carolina's Biotechnology Investment Tops Billion-Dollar Mark; Battelle Study Quantifies Economic Dividends and Jobs 5
...
... Quansys Biosciences Q-Plex Array is a new ... human, mouse, and rat research. The Q-Plex ... ELISA-based test where 4 distinct capture antibodies ... a 96-well plate in a defined array. ...
Caliper offers a wide array of standard LabChip products designed to be used in combination with our AMS 90 and LabChip 3000 microfluidic platforms....
... Pro260 reagents and supplies, for 10 ... sufficient to perform protein analysis with ... electrophoresis system. Supplied are 3 x ... Pro260 stain, 60 microliters Pro260 ladder ...
Biology Products: