Coral Reefs: Aesthetics and Fragility of Marine Ecosystems

Under the dazzling veneer of tropical oceans lies one of nature's finest works coral reefs. Rated by some as the "rainforests of the sea," coral reefs are among the most biologically diverse and productive ecosystems on the face of the earth. They are breathtakingly beautiful, teeming with life, and essential to the well-being of the planet. Yet despite all their beauty, coral reefs are some of the most fragile ecosystems, imperiled by the actions of mankind and climate change more than ever in history. This article presents the wonder of coral reefs, their biological importance, and the need to maintain these treasures of the sea for generations to come. The Formation and Structure of Coral Reefs: Coral reefs consist not of rocks, but of living organisms small animals known as coral polyps. The polyps are soft-bodied creatures that are more closely related to jellyfish and sea anemones. Coral polyps excrete calcium carbonate to create their dwelling...