Are coral reefs animals or plants?

Corals are fascinating creatures that are often misunderstood. One of the most common questions people have about corals is whether they are animals or plants. While they may appear to be similar to plants because of their attachment to the floor, corals cannot feed on their own, making them more like animals.

Corals have a mouth, a stomach, and tiny tentacles that can be compared to our arms. These sessile creatures have a cavity that benefits both the animal and plants. They are actually made up of hundreds of polyps, which are the creatures that create coral. Soft-bodied polyps secrete limestone, which transforms into a harder skeleton that will attach them to a rock or the skeleton of a dead polyp. Hard-bodied polyps conglomerate together and grow, die, and repeat, creating what we call coral reefs. The colonies of corals can live for a very long time.

Interestingly, corals are a great example of cooperation between plants and animals. Inside most corals, you will find microscopic algae called zooxanthellae. This plant-like organism uses the corals' waste product to feed and for photosynthesis. In exchange, the corals use the oxygen created by the organisms and the organic products of photosynthesis it needs to grow.

Scientists are studying ways to help corals adapt to changing conditions, such as through selective breeding or genetic engineering.

A majority of corals can be found in tropical and subtropical waters, where the water is warm and clear. They do not tolerate water temperatures below 18ºC but thrive in waters between 23ºC and 29ºC. Corals also prefer water with high salinity, and they require very clear water to survive.

However, climate change is having a devastating impact on our coral reefs. Warming oceans create thermal stress, more storms that destroy reef structures, and more sediments that flow into our waters, making the water more blurry and offering less light to an already sensitive creature. Ocean change also creates different currents, changing the routes of vital food for coral and the impressive structure they create, affecting thousands of marine wildlife. The increasing absorption of CO2 by the ocean leads to its acidification, reducing its pH level, which decreases the growth rate of corals.

The most visible effect of climate change on corals is its bleaching. When corals are stressed by changes in conditions such as light, temperature, or lack of nutrients, they expel the zooxanthellae living within them, causing them to turn completely white. As this is the primary source of food, it leaves the corals without its primary source of nutrition. Coral bleaching does not mean that the coral dies, but it means that it is under more stress and, therefore, more vulnerable to diseases that could ultimately kill them.

Corals are essential to ocean ecosystems because they provide habitats for a wide range of marine life, including fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. Coral reefs are also important for protecting coastlines from erosion and storm damage. However, coral reefs are under threat from a variety of human activities, including overfishing, pollution, and coastal development. Efforts are underway to protect and restore coral reefs, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, implementing sustainable fishing practices, and restoring damaged reefs through coral gardening and other techniques. In addition, scientists are studying ways to help corals adapt to changing conditions, such as through selective breeding or genetic engineering.

Moreover, coral reefs are not just important for marine life, but they also play a significant role in the global economy. It is estimated that coral reefs generate billions of dollars annually through tourism, fishing, and other industries. Protecting these vital ecosystems is not just important for the survival of marine life but also for the livelihoods of millions of people around the world.

It's worth noting that individual actions can make a difference in protecting coral reefs. For instance, avoiding single-use plastics, using environmentally-friendly products, and reducing carbon emissions can help mitigate the impact of climate change on coral reefs. By working together to protect coral reefs, we can help ensure that these fascinating creatures continue to thrive for generations to come.