Corals

Coral refers to a group of marine invertebrates that belong to the phylum Cnidaria. Corals are found in warm, shallow waters in tropical and subtropical oceans around the world. They typically form colonies of tiny animals known as polyps, which secrete a hard, protective exoskeleton made of calcium carbonate.

These skeletons are what give coral reefs their characteristic shape and structure. Coral reefs are important ecosystems that provide habitat for a wide range of marine species, including fish, crustaceans, and molluscs.

Coral reefs also play a crucial role in protecting coastal areas from erosion and storm damage. Unfortunately, coral reefs are under threat from a variety of human activities, including pollution, over fishing, and climate change, which can cause coral bleaching and ultimately lead to the death of the reef.