Importance of coral reefs
Coral reefs belong to the phylum Cnidaria, which are vast aquatic constructions made up of the
bones of colonial marine invertebrates. They absorb calcium carbonate from the surrounding
saltwater to build a hard, sturdy exoskeleton that covers their soft, sac-like bodies. Hence, there
are two types of corals- reef building corals known as "hard," corals (Example- Brain and
elkhorn reefs) and non-reef building corals known as "soft" corals (Example- Sea fans and sea
whips).
Each coral is referred to as a polyp. Coral polyps feed on the calcium carbonate exoskeletons of
their forefathers, adding their own exoskeleton to the current coral structure. These reefs steadily
grow over generations, until it becomes a large part of its aquatic environment. Corals
and algae share a symbiotic relationship where the algae perform photosynthesis to provide
energy for themselves and the polyps. In turn, the polyps offer a home for the algae as well as
carbon dioxide. Additionally, the reason behind the vibrant colors of coral reefs is because of
these algae as most coral bodies are colorless!
They are most commonly found in warm, clear, shallow water and cover less than 1% of the
ocean floor, and thrive where there is enough of sunshine to grow the algae on which the coral
feeds.
Coral reef ecosystems are among the most varied and important ecosystems on the planet
because:
1. Sustain species more than any other marine habitat.
2. Many medications are produced from these coral reefs.
3. Protect coastlines by minimizing the force of waves that impact the coast.
4. Provide a vital source of income for millions of people.
5. Source of nitrogen and carbon for marine food chains.
6. Attract many tourists every year and in turn impacts the country’s GDP.
References:
Importance of coral reefs. (n.d.). National History Museum. Retrieved January 12, 2022, from
https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/quick-questions/why-are-coral-reefs-
important.html#:~:text=Coral%20reefs%20provide%20an%20important,found%20living%20on
%20one%20reef.
Coral reefs belong to the phylum Cnidaria, which are vast aquatic constructions made up of the
bones of colonial marine invertebrates. They absorb calcium carbonate from the surrounding
saltwater to build a hard, sturdy exoskeleton that covers their soft, sac-like bodies. Hence, there
are two types of corals- reef building corals known as "hard," corals (Example- Brain and
elkhorn reefs) and non-reef building corals known as "soft" corals (Example- Sea fans and sea
whips).
Each coral is referred to as a polyp. Coral polyps feed on the calcium carbonate exoskeletons of
their forefathers, adding their own exoskeleton to the current coral structure. These reefs steadily
grow over generations, until it becomes a large part of its aquatic environment. Corals
and algae share a symbiotic relationship where the algae perform photosynthesis to provide
energy for themselves and the polyps. In turn, the polyps offer a home for the algae as well as
carbon dioxide. Additionally, the reason behind the vibrant colors of coral reefs is because of
these algae as most coral bodies are colorless!
They are most commonly found in warm, clear, shallow water and cover less than 1% of the
ocean floor, and thrive where there is enough of sunshine to grow the algae on which the coral
feeds.
Coral reef ecosystems are among the most varied and important ecosystems on the planet
because:
1. Sustain species more than any other marine habitat.
2. Many medications are produced from these coral reefs.
3. Protect coastlines by minimizing the force of waves that impact the coast.
4. Provide a vital source of income for millions of people.
5. Source of nitrogen and carbon for marine food chains.
6. Attract many tourists every year and in turn impacts the country’s GDP.
References:
Importance of coral reefs. (n.d.). National History Museum. Retrieved January 12, 2022, from
https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/quick-questions/why-are-coral-reefs-
important.html#:~:text=Coral%20reefs%20provide%20an%20important,found%20living%20on
%20one%20reef.
