Question

What are reef producing coral called? What is the coral reef composed of? How are they created? (Site 1)

Answer 1

Reef producing coral are called stony corals or hard corals. The coral reef is composed of the skeletons of these stony corals and the living organisms that inhabit them, such as fish, crustaceans, and algae. Coral reefs are created through a process called calcification, where the coral polyps secrete calcium carbonate to build their skeleton and constantly grow and expand over time. Coral reefs also rely on a delicate balance of environmental factors such as sunlight, water temperature, and nutrient availability to thrive. (Site 1)