The Relation of Temperature to Calcification in MONTIPORA VERRUCOSA

<p>A method for quantitatively comparing calcification rates in coral was used to find an optimum growth temperature for <em>Montipora verrueosa.</em> This method is based on the uptake of the radioactive isotope ca⁴⁵. By supplying the water the corals are growing i·n with a known amount of radioactivity and comparing this with the activity of the coral samples, a rate of Ca⁴⁵C0₃incorporation can be determined per unit of time. </p> <p>Various tests show that inorganic exchange does not appear to be a significant factor in interpretation of the results obtained. The edge of a colony calcifies faster than other parts, and the upper surface calcifies faster than the lower. Tests run at various temperatures between 17° C and 34° C indicate that the optimum temperature for calcification is around 30° C.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts (MA)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biology

Year

1971

Author dc:creator

• Cox, Walter W.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Ariel A. Roth
• Leonard R. Brand
• Arthur V. Chadwick

• Biology
• Corals

Statement dc:rights

• This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/615

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarsrepository.llu.edu:etd-1706