TABLE CORAL Meaning and
Definition
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Table coral is a type of hard coral that belongs to the family Acroporidae, scientifically known as Acropora. It is named for its unique growth pattern, forming flat, horizontal structures that resemble tables or plates. This species is commonly found in warm, tropical oceans and is particularly prevalent in the Indo-Pacific region.
Table coral is characterized by its branching structure, with overlapping plates that create broad, table-like formations on the ocean floor or reef surface. Its robust branches can range in color from pale white to vibrant shades of brown, purple, blue, or green, often exhibiting fluorescent hues that are visually striking. The coral's surfaces are covered in intricate polyps that extend their tentacles during the nighttime to capture plankton and small organisms for sustenance.
Table coral is an essential component of coral reef ecosystems. Its large, flat surfaces provide shelter and habitat for a variety of marine creatures, including fish, shrimp, and other invertebrates. Furthermore, these corals play a crucial role in reef formation, as their skeletons contribute to the overall structure of the reef.
Unfortunately, table coral populations are vulnerable to environmental stressors, such as pollution, ocean acidification, and rising ocean temperatures associated with climate change. These factors can lead to coral bleaching, a phenomenon in which corals expel the symbiotic algae living within their tissues, resulting in the whitening and potential death of the coral. Conservation efforts are crucial in protecting table coral and preserving the biodiversity and ecological balance of coral reef ecosystems.
Common Misspellings for TABLE CORAL
- rable coral
- fable coral
- gable coral
- yable coral
- 6able coral
- 5able coral
- tzble coral
- tsble coral
- twble coral
- tqble coral
- tavle coral
- tanle coral
- tahle coral
- tagle coral
- tabke coral
- tabpe coral
- taboe coral
- tablw coral
- tabls coral
- tabld coral
Etymology of TABLE CORAL
The word "table coral" is a compound term combining "table" and "coral".
1. "Table" originated from the Latin word "tabula", meaning "a plank or board". It was then borrowed into Old English as "tabule" and later evolved into the modern English word "table". In this context, "table" refers to a flat, horizontal surface.
2. "Coral" comes from the Old French word "corail", which was derived from the Latin word "corallum". The Latin term was ultimately borrowed from the Greek word "korallion". "Coral" specifically refers to the hard, limestone-like structures built by tiny marine organisms called polyps, living in colonies.
When combined, "table coral" refers to a type of coral that has a flat, tabletop-like structure. It usually grows horizontally, resembling a table.
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