Coral Dome
Coral geodesica
The defining feature of its shallow biome.
Overview
The defining feature of its shallow biome.
Gameplay attributes
No extractable gameplay attributes for this entry.
PDA Analysis
1. Coral analog
Like Earthly coral, the dome is a colony of polyps, small jellyfish-like animals that secrete a limestone skeleton. This process uses dissolved carbon dioxide from the seawater: corals are therefore an important method of climate regulation, since they transform atmospheric carbon into hard limestone.
2. Dual feeding strategy
The dome's outer surface feeds on sunlight, using photosynthetic symbiotes known as zooxanthellae. As the dome grows, the colony clears its interior, recycling the limestone for reuse. Polyps on the inside of the dome hunt with stinging tentacles.
3. Mineral expulsion
As the dome grows, it collects and expels mineral waste, creating nodes of quartz.
4. Critical ecosystem element
The dome corals help regulate global climate and provide a breakwater, reducing erosion in their shallow surroundings. The domes capture nutritious sediments from sea currents. Pioneers should prioritize a survey of coral health.
Assessment
Related Creatures
More entries from the same ecological slice.
Acid Raion
A colony of worms living inside a shared membrane, probably a sponge. Uses weak acid to digest prey.
Aeroshell Sponge
A glowing sponge (tentatively *Symphon aeroshell*) that resembles the cone of a heat shield on atmospheric entry.
Amphora Sponge
A sponge adapted to colonize — and create — air pockets.