Coral reefs are diverse underwater ecosystems held together by calcium carbonate structures secreted by corals. source
Coral reefs are diverse underwater ecosystems held together by calcium carbonate structures secreted by corals.
Coral reefs are built by colonies of tiny animals found in marine water that contain few nutrients. source
Coral reefs are built by colonies of tiny animals found in marine water that contain few nutrients.
Most coral reefs are built from stony corals, which in turn consist of polyps that cluster in groups. source
Most coral reefs are built from stony corals, which in turn consist of polyps that cluster in groups.
The polyps belong to a group of animals known as Cnidaria, which also includes sea anemones and jellyfish. source
The polyps belong to a group of animals known as Cnidaria, which also includes sea anemones and jellyfish.
Unlike sea anemones, corals secrete hard carbonate exoskeletons which support and protect the coral polyps. source
Unlike sea anemones, corals secrete hard carbonate exoskeletons which support and protect the coral polyps.
Most reefs grow best in warm, shallow, clear, sunny and agitated water. source
Most reefs grow best in warm, shallow, clear, sunny and agitated water.
Often called "rainforests of the sea", shallow coral reefs form some of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth. source
Often called "rainforests of the sea", shallow coral reefs form some of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth.
Paradoxically, coral reefs flourish even though they are surrounded by ocean waters that provide few nutrients. source
Paradoxically, coral reefs flourish even though they are surrounded by ocean waters that provide few nutrients.
Coral reefs are most commonly found at shallow depths in tropical waters, but deep water and cold water corals also exist on smaller scales in other areas. source
Coral reefs are most commonly found at shallow depths in tropical waters, but deep water and cold water corals also exist on smaller scales in other areas.
Coral reefs deliver ecosystem services to tourism, fisheries and shoreline protection. source
Coral reefs deliver ecosystem services to tourism, fisheries and shoreline protection.
The annual global economic value of coral reefs is estimated between US$29.8-375 billion. source
The annual global economic value of coral reefs is estimated between US$29.8-375 billion.
Coral reefs are fragile ecosystems, partly because they are very sensitive to water temperature. source
Coral reefs are fragile ecosystems, partly because they are very sensitive to water temperature.
Coral reefs are under threat from climate change, oceanic acidification, blast fishing, cyanide fishing for aquarium fish, sunscreen use,veruse of reef resources. source
Coral reefs are under threat from climate change, oceanic acidification, blast fishing, cyanide fishing for aquarium fish, sunscreen use,veruse of reef resources.
Most of the coral reefs we can see today were formed after the last glacial period when melting ice caused the sea level to rise and flood the continental shelves. source
Most of the coral reefs we can see today were formed after the last glacial period when melting ice caused the sea level to rise and flood the continental shelves.
Healthy tropical coral reefs grow horizontally from 1 to 3 cm (0.39 to 1.18 in) per year. source
Healthy tropical coral reefs grow horizontally from 1 to 3 cm (0.39 to 1.18 in) per year.
As the name implies, the bulk of coral reefs is made up of coral skeletons from mostly intact coral colonies. source
As the name implies, the bulk of coral reefs is made up of coral skeletons from mostly intact coral colonies.
