AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Their need for constant and direct sunlight is why coral reefs are typically seen in shallow waters and never in places where the water is dark and opaque, like the Atlantic Ocean.

Detailed explanation-2: -The corals’ requirement for high light also explains why most reef-building species are restricted to the euphotic zone, the region in the ocean where light penetrates to a depth of approximately 70 meters. The majority of reef-building corals are found in tropical and subtropical waters.

Detailed explanation-3: -Corals are found across the world’s ocean, in both shallow and deep water, but reef-building corals are only found in shallow tropical and subtropical waters. This is because the algae found in their tissues need light for photosynthesis and they prefer water temperatures between 70-85°F (22-29°C).

Detailed explanation-4: -The Pacific Ocean has the most coral species. Generally, there are about twice as many coral species in Pacific Ocean reefs as in Atlantic Ocean reefs.