Coral Reefs
Coral reefs are one of the most diverse and complex ecosystems on the planet. They are located in shallow, warm waters in tropical and subtropical regions all around the world. Coral Reefs are inhabited by many millions of different species of fish, crustations, coral, and the occasional reptile.
Quick Points:
Biodiversity: Coral reefs are home to a vast array of species, including more than 4,000 species of fish, 700 species of coral, and countless other invertebrates.
Physical structure: Coral reefs are made up of millions of tiny animals called coral polyps, which are made up of calcium carbonate.
Nutrient-poor environment: Coral reefs exist in nutrient-poor environments, which means that the organisms that live there must be highly adapted to this type of ecosystem.
Interspecies relationships: Many of the species that live in coral reefs have intricate relationships with each other. For example, clownfish live among the tentacles of sea anemones, which provide protection from predators, while the clownfish provide the anemone with food.
Threats to the ecosystem: Unfortunately, coral reefs are under threat from many different things, including climate change, overfishing, pollution, coastal development, and invasive species. These threats can cause coral bleaching, which can lead to the death of the coral polyps and the decline of the entire ecosystem.
Credit: https://www.cnbc.com/2022/08/04/great-barrier-reef-areas-show-highest-coral-cover-seen-in-36-years.html