What do you know about Coral?

            Coral is made up of thin layers of calcium carbonate. The calcium carbonate comes from hundreds of soft-bodied animals known as coral polyps. Just like a plant, coral goes through a process of photosynthesis and requires a large amount of sunlight. This is why coral reefs are found in shallow, clear water. 
            There are two kinds of coral: hard and soft. Hard corals have a stiff exoskeleton that protects their bodies. Some examples of hard coral are brain, star, staghorn, and pillar corals. Soft corals do not have an exoskeleton which allows them to sway with the currents and waves. Some examples of soft coral are sea fans, sea whips, and sea rods.

           Second to tropical rain forests, coral reefs are the most biologically diverse ecosystems on earth. Coral reefs are not made up solely of coral. They also contain sponges, crustaceans, mollusks, fish, sea turtles, sharks, dolphins, and many more things. Each part of the coral reef is interconnected with innumerable amounts of other plants, animals, and organisms.

            Since everything that is a part of the coral reef is interconnected, the balance of the coral reef can fluctuate drastically. For example, variation of one species can drastically change both the diversity and abundances of others. These variations can come from natural causes such as hurricanes or large storms. Unfortunately, it is more common that these variations occur from the result of people. For example, overfishing is hazardous to the balance of coral reef. When fishermen overfish herbivorous fish, there is an increase in the growth of algae and sea grass. This may result in the over abundance of other herbivorous marine life, such as sea urchins.

What are some ways we can help preserve coral reefs in known areas of destruction?

Do the fishermen know they are destroying these beautiful reefs?

To find out what is being done to prevent the destruction of coral reefs click below. 

Art Contest for Coral Reefs

Facts about Coral Reefs

http://reefrelief.org/learn/coral-reef-ecosystem/

                                                                     Soft Coral 

Hard Coral