Corals
Corals
Corals (/ˈkɔːrəlz/; from Greek: κοράλλιον, korállion) are marine invertebrates within the class Anthozoa of the phylum Cnidaria. They typically live in compact colonies of many identical individual polyps.
Etymology
The word "coral" comes from the Ancient Greek word korállion, which referred to the red coral. The term was later used to describe the hard, calcareous skeletons of certain marine invertebrates.
Types of Corals
There are two main types of corals: Hard corals and Soft corals. Hard corals, also known as stony corals, include species like brain coral and elkhorn coral. Soft corals, on the other hand, include species like sea fans and sea whips.
Habitat and Distribution
Corals are found all over the world's oceans, from the Arctic Ocean to the Southern Ocean. However, they are most commonly found in the coral reefs of the tropical and subtropical oceans.
Ecological Importance
Corals play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem. They provide a habitat for a diverse range of species and contribute to the formation of coral reefs, which are among the most biologically diverse ecosystems on the planet.
Threats to Corals
Corals face numerous threats, including Climate change, Ocean acidification, Overfishing, and Pollution. These threats can lead to Coral bleaching, which can result in the death of coral colonies.
See Also
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