Biology of corals and coral reefs

Abstract

This chapter deals with biology of corals, coral reefs (in general) and coral reefs of the Indian Ocean. Biology of corals is lucidly dealt with, beginning from the clarification on hermatypic and ahermatypic forms. A complete account on the systematic position is presented. The general structure is depicted with illustrations. Physiology part is updated to current knowledge on reproduction, nutrition and excretion of corals. The coral reefs section begins with status of world reefs in the introduction followed by community metabolism, trophic status, calcification rates of world's major reefs, reef fishery, zonation, reef types and evolution of coral reefs. Under coral reefs of the Indian Ocean, information about Indian Ocean reefs, location, faunal diversity, studies so far and present status were gathered and given in a neat account.