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Importance of Coral Reefs

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Coral reefs are the exoskeletons structures that live in colonies of hundreds to thousands

of corals that are referred to as polyps. Coral reefs are also classified from their invertebrate

structure with their exoskeletons made up of nutrients specifically calcium nutrients. Once these

coral reefs perish, other coral reefs grow from the calcium carbonate found in these remains

which is common within the tropic of Cancer and Capricorn. Notably, coral reefs are found in

seas and oceans for example the Pacific Ocean, Indian ocean, the Red Sea, Caribbean Sea, the

Persian Gulf among others. These organisms are very crucial in the marine world and humans

which are connected in a greater percentage.

Firstly, Coral reefs are essential in protecting the coastline from erosions and storms that

are very prudent in deep oceans and seas. Erosions of the oceans and seas are very crucial since

it displaces aquatic animals from their habitat. Other than that, coral reefs also act as the habitat

for more than half of aquatic animals. These animals depend on coral reefs as a hunting field and

as a source of food for several organisms that live in the sea bed. Such importance enhances the

necessity of more coral reefs in the sea and ocean beds since they conserve fish and supply the

oxygen needed for these aquatic animals. Additionally, coral reefs also act as sources of food and

medicine that is an important aspect for living organisms to stay healthy and reproduce. Several

medicines are extracted from the polyps not to mention the living organisms that depend on coral

reefs for food.

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References

Hoegh-Guldberg, O., Kennedy, E. V., Beyer, H. L., McClennen, C., & Possingham, H. P.

(2018). Securing a long-term future for coral reefs. Trends in ecology &

evolution, 33(12), 936-944.