organismscorals
Corals are marine invertebrate animals belonging to the phylum Cnidaria. Most corals live in colonies composed of many genetically identical individuals called polyps. These colonies secrete calcium carbonate skeletons that, over time, form reef structures. Hard corals, or scleractinian corals, are the primary reef builders, while soft corals do not produce the same rigid skeletons.
Many reef-building corals host symbiotic photosynthetic algae, zooxanthellae, within their tissues. The algae provide the corals
Reproduction occurs both sexually and asexually. Sexually, corals release eggs and sperm in spawning events, producing
Ecologically, coral reefs support high biodiversity and provide services such as coastal protection from waves, habitat
Protection and management include marine protected areas, sustainable tourism, reef restoration projects, and efforts to reduce