Coral Reefs
⭐ MasteredCoral reefs are built by tiny animals called polyps. Reefs cover less than 1% of the ocean floor but support about a quarter of sea species.
The Great Barrier Reef can be seen from space.
All about Coral Reefs
Coral reefs are underwater structures built by tiny animals called coral polyps. Each polyp takes minerals from seawater to build a hard skeleton of limestone, and over thousands of years these skeletons form huge reefs.
Coral reefs cover less than 1% of the ocean floor but support about a quarter of all marine species. Corals have tiny algae living inside them that give them colour and food. When water is too warm, corals lose these algae and turn white, which is called bleaching.
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Real-life uses of Coral Reefs
- Protecting coastlines from waves and storms
- Providing food and homes for fish and other sea life
- Supporting tourism, fishing and diving industries
Frequently asked questions about Coral Reefs
Are coral reefs plants or animals?
Corals are animals. The colour in them comes from tiny algae that live inside their tissues.
What is the Great Barrier Reef?
The largest coral reef system in the world, off the coast of Queensland in Australia, and visible from space.
What is coral bleaching?
When warm water stresses corals so they expel the algae that give them colour and food. Bleached corals can recover if conditions improve.