Round 2: Tossup 2

The value of delta-O-18 measured in foraminifera (“for-uh-min-NIF-er-uh”) and these organisms’ coenosteum (“see-NESS-tee-um”) can extrapolate historical temperatures. Some of these organisms called Scleractinia (“sclair-ac-TIN-ee-uh”) form tree-like growth rings of aragonite. The fact that these organisms flourish in nutrient-poor environments (-5[1])is called Darwin’s paradox. Ecosystems centered on these organisms (-5[1])have “platform” and “fringing” types. Rising temperatures cause symbiotic (10[1])zooxanthellae (“zoh-uh-zan-THELL-eye”) to be expelled by these cnidarians (“nigh-DARE-ee-ins”), turning them white. These organisms absorb (10[1])less calcium (10[1])carbonate into their skeletons when the ocean is acidic. For 10 points, a quarter of the world’s marine life is hosted by what organisms’ reefs? ■END■ (10[1])

Back to tossups

Buzzes

Summary