Coral reefs are built by tiny animals over millennia
Tiny coral polyps build massive reefs layer by layer over millennia, creating vital ocean ecosystems that support a quarter of all marine life, yet face modern threats.
Massive coral reefs, like Australia's Great Barrier Reef, are painstakingly constructed by tiny coral polyps. These millimeter-sized animals secrete calcium carbonate skeletons, slowly layering them over thousands of years. This incredible process, fueled by sunlight and symbiotic algae, creates intricate underwater cities that cover less than 0.1% of the ocean floor.
There's more to this story — open the app to keep reading.
Continue Reading in App
1 more paragraphs · plus a 2-question quiz