What are coral reefs?
Are corals animals, plants, or rocks?
Coral are made from tiny animals called “polyps,” which are related to anemones and jellyfish. Polyps can live individually, like mushroom corals, or together in colonies consisting of thousands of polyps (Coral Reef Alliance). Coral polyps live on top of the calcium carbonate skeletons of the prior generation of polyps. As the polyps continue to layer, reefs are built (Ross 2018).
What are coral reefs?
Coral reefs are among the most diverse ecosystems in the world. The backbone of coral reefs are formed by colonies of coral polyps held together by calcium carbonate. Corals can be found in every type of water, from warm, shallow, tropical water to cold, dark, deep water of the arctic poles (NOAA).
Coral Reef Diversity
Even though coral reefs cover less than 1% of the ocean floor, they foster a rich biodiversity (Ross 2018). Due to this biodiversity, coral reefs are also called the “rain forests of the sea” (NOAA). According to the Coral Reef Alliance, “Coral reefs provide shelter for nearly one quarter of all known marine species. And over the last 240 million years, reefs have evolved into one of the largest and most complex ecosystems on the planet. They are home to more than 4,000 species of fish, 700 species of coral, and thousands of other species of plants and animals. Scientists estimate that, in total, more than one million species of plants and animals are associated with the coral reef ecosystem.”
Coral Reefs Are In Danger
Healthy coral reefs lead to healthy oceans. Unfortunately, the coral reefs are in danger. Global warming has led to ocean acidification leading to coral bleaching. Ocean trawling destroys coral reefs and their habitats. Pollution and outflow compromises the corals’ ability to grow, reproduce, and thrive (Coral Reef Alliance). “Scientists predict that all corals will be threatened by 2050, with 75 percent facing high to critical threat levels (Coral Reef Alliance).”
It’s not too late! You can make a difference!
10% of all Nerdtistic Park proceeds go to support the Coral Reef Alliance.
Live sustainably: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
Reduce your single-use plastic use.
Be an advocate! Call, email, and send letters to your elected officials to let them know you are passionate about ocean conservation.
References
Coral Reef Alliance. “CORAL POLYPS — TINY BUILDERS.” Coral Reef Alliance, coral.org/coral-reefs-101/coral-reef-ecology/coral-polyps/.
NOAA. “Coral Reef Ecosystems.” Coral Reef Ecosystems | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/marine-life/coral-reef-ecosystems.
Ross, Rachel. “What Are Coral Reefs?” LiveScience, Purch, 24 Sept. 2018, www.livescience.com/40276-coral-reefs.html.
