SAVE OUR CORAL REEFS!
What are Coral Reefs?
Coral reefs are diverse underwater ecosystems that provide homes for thousands of types of animals such as fish, eel, and seaweed. The corals themselves are made of polyp clusters that secrete calcium carbonate to form a hard exoskeleton. The polyps are a part of the animal group Cnidaria, along with anemones and jellyfish (Coral Reef Alliance).
Coral Reefs
Biodiversity
Coral reefs have the highest biodiversity of any other ecosystem on Earth, even above rainforests. Although coral reefs take up less than 1% of the planet's surface, they host about 25% of all marine life. A variety of specifies and living organisms, ranging from plants to fish live in the reefs and work together to create a strong community. Coral reefs have thrived in the oceans for millions of years (Eco Kids).
Habitat and Conditions
Coral reefs are usually found in clear, tropical conditions with the correct salinity. They like shallow waters that are no deeper than 165 feet so that sunlight can get to them easily and be photosynthesized. Corals also do best in warmer water that is around 20-32 degrees celsius. (EPA)
Corals reefs can be found in over 100 countries. They are mainly found in areas between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Red Sea, Persian Gulf, and other areas with warm temperatures.
Simbiotic Relationships
Coral have a symbotic relationship with algae known as zooxanthellae. This specific type of algae lives within the polyps of coral. The coral provides a place for the algae to live safely where they have easy access to sunlight. In return, the algae shares the nutrients it produces throuh photosynthesis with the coral (EPA).
