Coral Reefs: What are They, and Why Should You Care? English Reading Comprehension Article 1

You’ve probably heard of coral reefs before, but do you know what they are? Or why they’re important? Coral reefs are a diverse and extraordinary ecosystem found throughout the world’s oceans.

These underwater forests are made up of tiny animal species known as polyps that are housed in animal skeletons known as coral polyps. Coral polyps create their own calcium carbonate skeletons by grouping together in colonies. As a result, these colonies grow in three-dimensional shapes that are referred to as coral reefs. These reefs are found in both the shallow tropical waters of the Caribbean Sea and the great depths of the Pacific Ocean. They support a diverse array of marine life, from tiny algae to massive whales. The value of these reefs cannot be understated. They support a quarter of all marine biodiversity, are a source of food for hundreds of millions of people, and provide a comfortable home for hundreds of thousands of coral polyps.

What Are Coral Reefs?

Coral reefs are underwater forests made up of numerous species of coral. These reefs are found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world, mainly in the Pacific and Indian Oceans but also in the Caribbean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea.

Coral reefs are made up of coral polyps, tiny animals that live in colonies. These animals secrete the calcium carbonate that forms the structure of the outcropping reefs.

There are more than 1,500 species of coral, making them the most abundant marine animals on the planet. Many other species of plants and animals depend on coral reefs for food and shelter.

Why Are Coral Reefs Important?

Coral reefs are important for several reasons. These reefs protect shorelines by protecting shorelines from waves and storm surges. They also provide fish and other sea life with habitat and food sources.

Additionally, coral reefs are very attractive to tourists. They are also an important resource for many coastal communities, who rely on the income generated by tourists visiting the area.

Are Coral Reefs in Danger?

Coral reefs are under threat due to a number of pressures. The first, and most obvious, is over-exploitation of resources. Coral reefs are very attractive to fisheries. Since they provide a major source of protein, people are tempted to catch as much as they can and put the reefs into further danger.

Another major cause of coral reef degradation is global warming. As the climate warms, coral polyps are being killed off by the increasing temperatures. This phenomenon is known as coral bleaching. If the conditions are right, this causes the polyps to eject their colonies and turn the reefs white.

How to Help Save Coral Reefs

The best way to help save coral reefs is to familiarize yourself with them. This means learning about the reefs around you and the ways in which they function.

Once you understand their importance, you can then take steps to protect them.

First and foremost, know the difference between a coral reef and a coastal beach. While both are formed by coral, a beach does not consist of reefs. In fact, a beach is mostly sand.

Coral reefs are different—they are underwater forests made up of coral polyps.

You can help protect coral reefs by keeping your swimming and surfing areas clear of trash, as well as by educating yourself about the reef communities in your area.

If you love the ocean as much as we do, there are a number of ways to get involved. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Become a volunteer with local environmental organizations.
• Educate yourself about the environmental issues facing coral reefs.
• Swim responsibly around coral formations to prevent damaging them.
• Donate to conservation organizations working to protect coral reefs.

Which Countries Have the Most Corals?

Coral reefs are extremely sensitive to local weather and ocean conditions, so it’s hard to determine which countries have the most corals. However, some generalizations can be made:

• Australia, India and Indonesia are home to the world’s most coral reefs.
• The Maldives and the Marshall Islands are also known for their abundance of coral.
• Haiti and the Cayman Islands are two other tropical islands with a high density of coral reefs.
• The Bahamas, Grenada, Belize and the Cayman Islands are some of the world’s most coral-poor countries.

Conclusion

Coral reefs are incredibly important ecosystems. They protect coastlines and provide food and shelter for a diverse array of sea life. They are also extremely sensitive to local weather and ocean conditions, so it’s important to protect them.

Fortunately, there are many ways to protect coral reefs. The first, and most important, is to learn as much as you can about them. Next, join a local environmental organization and get involved with local conservation efforts. Finally, share your knowledge with others so that they, too, will recognize the importance of coral reefs and take steps to protect them.

English Reading Comprehension Questions

1. Why are coral reefs so important?
2. Where are coral reefs found?
3. Why are the reefs important to coastal communities?
4. What is the biggest danger to coral reefs?
5. What creates the coral reef?