Walter W. Cox

Abstract

A method for quantitatively comparing calcification rates in coral was used to find an optimum growth temperature for Montipora verrueosa. 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 Ca45C03 incorporation can be determined per unit of time.

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.

LLU Discipline

Biology

Department

Biology

School

Graduate School

First Advisor

Ariel A. Roth

Second Advisor

Leonard R. Brand

Third Advisor

Arthur V. Chadwick

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Degree Level

M.A.

Year Degree Awarded

1971

Date (Title Page)

8-1971

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Corals

Type

Thesis

Page Count

vii; 29

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage 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.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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