Coral Reefs

A coral reef is a collection polyps (tiny marine life forms) skeletons that form together over time. These form the corals that we are used to seeing. However, coral is alive, and makes its own food from a mixture of water and sunlight. Some do feed off the cells of other marine life, using tentacles that grow from them. Many types of fish live in the reefs and hide in the branches of the coral. They feed from smaller fish or eat plankton. The types of fish that live in  the reefs are specially designed to fit in their surroundings. Coral is naturally bright colored, and many fish are too, so of course the reef provides the fish with a great hiding spot. The Purple Stonefish is a good example of marine camouflage and looks just as its name suggest. It sits still and quiet and waits for its prey to come by. More fish like this include the Pipefish, Hermit crab and the Yellow Sunfish. Sadly, the world’s coral reefs may be destroyed by pollution and human interference. Coral reefs are very  fragile bits of nature and could one day vanish. However, efforts are being made to preserve the reefs, and hopefully survive for a long time.

Q. How deep are coral reefs?

A. Coral reefs are usually 150-400 feet deep.

Q Were are coral reefs located?

A. Some of the best known reefs are located in the Caribbean, Japan, Florida Keys and Australia.

Q .If all the coral reefs were put together, what area could it be compared to?

A. The coral reef would be the size of France.   

Links (note:some contain references to evolution)

http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/environment/habitats-environment/habitats-oceans-env/coral-reefs/

http://www.defenders.org/coral-reef/basic-facts

http://www.ecokids.ca/pub/eco_info/topics/oceans/coral_reefs.cfm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coral_reef

by Artist