GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Coral reefs are one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems on earth, rivaled only by tropical rain forests. They are made up not only of hard and soft corals, but also sponges, crustaceans, mollusks, fish, sea turtles, sharks, dolphins and much more.

Detailed explanation-2: -Coral reef ecosystems are dense populations of organisms that are often known as the “rainforest of the sea.” And these aren’t trees. These are made up of tiny animals called coral polyps. Besides the identified 2, 000 species of corals, several other organisms live together to make the reef a dense oceanic ecosystem.

Detailed explanation-3: -Coral reefs are some of the most diverse and valuable ecosystems on Earth. Coral reefs support more species per unit area than any other marine environment, including about 4, 000 species of fish, 800 species of hard corals and hundreds of other species.

Detailed explanation-4: -Coral reefs provide habitat for a large variety of marine life, including various sponges, oysters, clams, crabs, sea stars, sea urchins, and many species of fish. Coral reefs are also linked ecologically to nearby seagrass, mangrove, and mudflat communities.