Round 1: 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 is called Darwin’s paradox. (-5[1])Ecosystems centered on these organisms have “platform” (10[1])and “fringing” types. (10[1])Rising temperatures (10[1])cause symbiotic (10[2])zooxanthellae (10[1])(“zoh-uh-zan-THELL-eye”) to be expelled (10[1])by these cnidarians (10[1])(“nigh-DARE-ee-ins”), turning them white. These organisms (10[1]-5[1])absorb less calcium carbonate into their skeletons when the ocean is acidic. (10[1])For 10 points, a quarter of the world’s marine life is hosted by what organisms’ reefs? (10[1])■END■ (10[1])

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