Coral reefs are one of the planet’s most productive ecosystems even though they thrive in nutrient deficient waters that are the marine equivalent of deserts. This anomaly is known as “Darwin’s Paradox” and has befuddled scientists for years. According to a new study by Jasper de Goeji et al., sponges are the key players, converting dissolved organic matter from coral and algae into nutritious particulate matter for detritivores (particle-feeding organisms such as snails and crabs). The sponge’s filter cells have a rapid turnover, dividing every 5 to 6 hours—the fastest cell cycle found in any multicellular organism to date. As the detritivores feed upon these shed cells, larger animals then feed upon the detritivores in what is termed the “sponge loop.” Thus, sponges recycle energy and nutrients back into the ecosystem, sustaining a thriving community amid a marine desert. To learn more, read the Report here: scim.ag/19xfuMR [Image Credit: NOAA photo library / Flickr]
Posted on: Wed, 09 Oct 2013 15:56:56 +0000
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