Here Are The Differences Between Coral Reefs and Corals

UNGKIT.COM – Although both are referred to as "coral" and found in the ocean, coral reefs and corals differ significantly in terms of definition, form, and nature.

Corals are small animals known as polyps, whereas a coral reef is an ecosystem—or a limestone structure—where these corals live and aggregate.

A coral reef is an ecosystem or physical structure on the seabed, often resembling a large hill or ridge made of limestone.

Coral reefs are composed of a collection of living and dead coral colonies, algae, fish, mollusks, and various other interdependent marine organisms.

In their natural habitat, coral reefs serve as a home for one-quarter of all marine species and protect coastlines from wave erosion.

Corals, on the other hand, are invertebrate animals belonging to the class Anthozoa. They can exist as solitary individuals or as thousands of tiny polyps forming a colony.

During their growth process, corals—which are living organisms—secrete calcium carbonate (limestone) to form an external skeleton.

In fact, corals are neither rocks nor plants, even though they are stationary and some live in symbiosis with algae to obtain food. (*)

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