corals

Corals are marine animals belonging to the class Anthozoa, living mostly in warm, shallow waters. They consist of tiny, soft-bodied polyps that form hard skeletons made of calcium carbonate. Corals often form large colonies, creating vibrant reefs that provide habitat for a diverse range of marine life. They rely on a symbiotic relationship with microscopic algae called zooxanthellae, which live inside their tissues and provide energy through photosynthesis. Corals are vital for ocean ecosystems, protecting coastlines and supporting biodiversity, but they are threatened by climate change, pollution, and overfishing.