Understanding What a Coral Is
A coral is a tiny marine animal that lives in colonies and builds hard structures from calcium. Together, these colonies form coral reefs in warm ocean waters.
How Corals Live
Each coral animal, called a polyp, has a soft body and a ring of tentacles. Polyps capture food and also rely on algae living inside them for energy.
How Coral Reefs Form
Over time, polyps produce hard skeletons that accumulate and grow. As generations build on top of each other, large reef structures develop.
Where Corals Are Found
Corals live in shallow, sunlit waters where algae can grow. Famous reefs exist in Australia, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific.
Why Corals Matter
Coral reefs support thousands of species, protect coastlines from waves, and help maintain healthy ocean ecosystems. They are among the most diverse habitats on Earth.
Threats to Corals
Pollution, rising temperatures, and ocean acidification can cause bleaching and damage reefs. Conservation efforts aim to protect these fragile ecosystems.
The Simple Takeaway
Corals are small marine animals that build reefs essential for ocean life. Their structures create some of the most important habitats on the planet.