Coral Reefs in the Philippines and the trophic levels and organism Research Paper - 1

Coral Reefs in the Philippines and the trophic levels and organism localization and interaction specific to this area - Research Paper Example Moreover, they provide food security and livelihoods to people in the country. However, the stability of reefs in the region is under threats. This has occurred due to destructive fishing methods and overuse of resources (Unico Conservation Foundation, 2012). The threat in this ecosystem is seen as a threat to Philippines livelihoods due to a higher level of reliance on reefs. In coral reefs, there exists a feeding relationship between various organisms. The relationship helps in the transfer of energy from one level to another (Rose, 2009). A reef in a normal environment ensures stability and sustenance of these organisms. In the lower level of the reef are the producers. These ensure there is a creation of food for other organisms up in the system. There are a number of producers in the coral reef ecosystems. The most common are phytoplankton, algae, and species of seaweed (Rose, 2009). However, the major producer in the system is the phytoplankton (Rose, 2009). The organisms at this stage live in close association with the corals. Hence, they contribute to the make up of the reefs. Consumers occupy the second level (Rose, 2009). However, the consumers are divided into primary, secondary, and tertiary. The first level in this stage is occupied by primary consumers (Rose, 2009). The consumers at this level are herbivores (Rose, 2009). Some of the major herbivores in the marine environment include zooplankton, invertebrate larvae, benthic grazers, sea urchins, some corals and crabs as well as green sea turtles and herbivorous fish (Rose, 2009). However, the most abundant consumers at this stage are zooplankton (Rose, 2009). However, the feeding mechanism of creatures at this level varies. For example, the benzic grazers and some coral species adopt a different mechanism in which they feed through filtration (Rose, 2009). The form of feeding helps them to filter phytoplankton out of the water. Other creatures eat algae and seaweed directly. The