Coral Reef Ecology Lab
Coral Reef Ecosystem Simulation
This coral reef simulation models the complex symbiosis between coral polyps and their photosynthetic zooxanthellae, along with the fish, invertebrates, and algae that make reefs among Earth's most biodiverse ecosystems. Students can investigate how rising ocean temperatures trigger bleaching by expelling zooxanthellae and how ocean acidification weakens calcium carbonate skeletons. The simulation connects local reef health to global environmental pressures, making it ideal for marine biology and environmental science courses.
What you can do in this simulation
- Adjust ocean temperature and observe the onset of coral bleaching as zooxanthellae are expelled
- Change ocean pH to see how acidification affects coral skeleton growth and strength
- Introduce or remove herbivorous fish and track how algae overgrowth competes with coral
- Explore the mutualistic relationship between coral polyps and photosynthetic dinoflagellates
- Observe reef recovery timelines when stressors are reduced
Concepts covered
coral bleaching · zooxanthellae · ocean acidification · marine biodiversity · symbiosis · reef ecology
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