Hydrosphere Contents

5. Aquatic Habitats

Coral reefs are among the most spectacular and diverse of all marine ecosystems

An example of a coral reef

Coral reefs are sometimes described as "the rainforests of the sea", and are of great economic and social value. Coral reefs are made up of many tiny animals known as "coral polyps". Each coral polyp is an individual animal and the individual polyps coexist as part of a larger colony of polyps. Many animals, other than coral polyps, depend on the reef for survival. Algae and plants grow on the reefs providing an important resource base for a wide range of fisheries, fish being the major protein source for millions of people. Reefs also protect the coastline from storm damage, and help to reduce erosion.

Why are coral reefs important?