The primary member of these ecosystems are preyed upon by Acanthaster planci, whose surface resembles a crown of thorns.
The primary member of these ecosystems are preyed upon by Acanthaster planci, whose surface resembles a crown of thorns. The so-called "cement" of these ecosystems is a crustose, pink member of Rodophyta. The evolution of the structure of these ecosystems was the subject of the first monograph of Charles Darwin. Their primary members are in a mutualistic relationship with zooxanthellae. Of their three main types, the "fringing" type occupies a shallow zone of water while an (*) atoll is a lagoon surrounded by one. These ecosystems are threatened by widespread "bleaching". For 10 points, name these ecosystems primarily constituted of calcium carbonate secreted by corals, which form a giant "barrier" near Queensland, Australia.
The primary member of these ecosystems are preyed upon by Acanthaster planci, whose surface resembles a crown of thorns.
coral reefs [prompt on corals; prompt on oceans]