Coral reefs are one of the most diverse and important ecosystems on Earth. They provide a home for 25% of all marine life, including fish, mollusks, crustaceans, and many other animals. Coral reefs also protect coastlines from storms and erosion.
Coral reefs are found in tropical waters around the world. They are made up of coral polyps, which are tiny animals that secrete a hard calcium carbonate skeleton. Over time, these skeletons build up to form the massive structures we see today.
Corals get their energy from algae called zooxanthellae that live inside their tissues. The zooxanthellae provide the coral with food and oxygen in exchange for a safe place to live. This symbiotic relationship is what gives coral its characteristic colors.
Bleaching occurs when the zooxanthellae are expelled from the coral due to stressors like warm water temperatures or pollution. This causes the coral to turn white as it loses its major source of food and oxygen. Bleached coral is more susceptible to disease and death.
Coral reef ecosystems are under threat from human activities like overfishing, pollution, and climate change. These threats put the future of coral reefs in jeopardy and threaten the millions of people who depend on them for food, income, and protection from storms.