acropora

Thân thiện

A diver observes a colorful acropora coral on a reef.

Definition

Noun: 1. A genus of stony corals belonging to the order Scleractinia (stony corals). Acropora corals are characterized by their branching, tree-like growth forms and are among the primary reef-building corals in tropical oceans.

Usage

• Acropora corals are vital for the structure and biodiversity of coral reefs.
• Scientists study the bleaching resistance of different species.
• The aquarium trade has historically collected many specimens from the genus .

Advanced Usage

• In marine biology, the term is used specifically to refer to this taxonomically defined genus. It is often italicized in scientific writing () to denote the genus name.
• The health of populations is frequently used as a key indicator for the overall health of a coral reef ecosystem.

Variants and Related Words

• Acroporid (adj/n): Pertaining to or a member of the coral family Acroporidae, which includes the genus .
• Staghorn coral (n): A common name for several branching species within the genus, such as .
• Table coral (n): A common name for species like , which form wide, plate-like structures.

Synonyms

• Staghorn coral (for specific branching species)
• Table coral (for specific plate-forming species)

Related Phrases/Idioms

• Acropora-dominated reef: A coral reef where corals of the genus are the primary structural components.
• Acropora thicket: A dense, branching growth of staghorn corals.

Học thuật

Noun

1. coelenterate genus of order Madreporaria, including staghorn corals

Từ đồng nghĩa

• Acropora
• genus Acropora