In Our Time Corals
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Oct 28, 2021 Join Steve Jones, Senior Research Fellow in Genetics, Nicola Foster, Lecturer in Marine Biology, and Gareth Williams, Associate Professor in Marine Biology, as they dive into the fascinating world of corals. They discuss Darwin's revolutionary insights into coral reefs and their slow geological changes. The conversation highlights the alarming threats corals face from climate change and human activity. Topics include the vibrant and intricate ecosystems of coral reefs, their resilience, and even the surprising locations of corals beyond tropical zones.
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Darwin's Coral and Evolution
- Darwin's observation of coral atolls sparked his theory of evolution.
- Slow changes over vast time scales can create new islands and species.
Coral Structure Formation
- Corals, tiny creatures, build enormous structures by extracting salts from water and fixing carbon.
- They contain symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) that use sunlight for photosynthesis, aiding coral growth.
Diving in Coral Reefs
- Diving among coral reefs is like exploring a vibrant aquarium teeming with color and diverse life.
- The reefs are surprisingly noisy, with sounds of feeding, fighting, and other animal activities.
