Characteristics of Coral Reefs

Characteristic of Coral Reefs:

Coral reefs, are almost exclusively in the seas and oceans, between Tropic of Capricorn and the Tropic of Cancer. Where the water temperatures are warm and stable.



      

REEF COMPOSITION:

1. Hard corals build by secreting calcium carbonate skeletons. 2. Boring organisms such as sponges, worms, and bivalves. Parrotfish and sea urchins break down the coral skeletons. Borers and grazers usually attack dead coral. 3. Coralline algae, encrusting bryozoans, and minerals cement the dead organic matter, stabilizing the reef structure. What are Coral Reefs? The Coral Reefs appeared as solitary forms, the fossil record more than 400 million years ago, corals are extremely ancient animals that evolved into modern reef-building forms over the last 25 million years. Coral reefs are unique.

For more information, you can visit this web pages:
http://www.seaworld.org/animal-info/info-books/coral/physical-characteristics.htm

http://www.onr.navy.mil/focus/ocean/habitats/coral1.htm