rocklike accumulation secreted by corals and algae in shall water along a shoreline
A collective structure consisting of dead skeletal limestone that has accumulated over time and a result of the coral animals that cover the structure's surface. As a result of a series of ecological relationships, the coral reef structure is directly responsible for the production of much of the earth's fish and marine life.
A marine ridge or mound that has been built up over thousands of years from limestone (calcium carbonate) deposited in the skeletons of coral polyps. The term coral reef is often used to refer to the entire ecosystem – the coral, the substrate built by the coral and the organisms that live in, on and around the reef. The geographical shape of a reef can also be part of the definition – fringing reefs, barrier reefs and atolls. For more information see How does a coral reef form? (CRC Reef Research Centre, Australia).
(1) An underwater geological structure, made largely of calcium carbonate, that is secreted by corals and other organisms (such as coralline algae, sponges, bryozoans, and mollusks) over long periods of time; (2) the biological community and ecosystem associated with such structures.
a massive limestone structure built up through the constructional cementing and depositional activities of anthozoans of the order Madreporaria and certain other invertebrate and algal species.
Formation produced by massive colonies containing billions of tiny coral animals, called polyps, that secrete a stony substance (calcium carbonate) around themselves for protection. When the corals die, their empty outer skeletons form layers and cause the reef to grow. They are found in the coastal zones of warm tropical and subtropical oceans.
a reef consisting of coral consolidated into limestone
a complex ecosystem that shelters many kinds of marine life
a limestone formation that lies under or just above the sea
a living community built around the accumulated mineralized remains of coral animals, which belong to phylum Cnidaria
an accumulation of many tiny marine polyps
a reef that has been built largely or entirely by corals , tiny animals that live together in colonies
a ridge or mound composed of the chalky skeletons of former generations of coral animals, and serving as a platform for the living coral polyps
a ridge or mound of lime stone, the upper surface of which lies, or lay at the time of its formation, near the level of the sea, and is predominately composed of calcium carbonate secreted by organisms, of which the most important are corals
a structure in the sea constructed by coral skeletons and limestone debris that remains in place after the plant or animal dies
a type of biotic reef developing in tropical waters
formed when hundreds of hard coral colonies grow next to and on top of each other; a mainly calcareous reef composed substantially of coral, coraline algae, and sand; present only in waters where the minimum average monthly tempurature is 18 degrees C or higher
Calcareous formation produced by the activity of various living organisms.
A structure that is made from the skeletons of soft-bodied coral animals or polyps, and is found in warm waters.
or Reef)—a massive, wave-resistant structure, built largely by coral, and consisting of skeletal and chemically precipitated materials.
a large underwater formation created from the calcium carbonate skeletons of coral animals; can also refer to the animals living on and near the coral reef
complex tropical marine ecosystem dominated by soft and hard (stony) corals, anemones and sea fans. Stony corals are microscopic animals with an outer skeleton of calcium carbonate that form colonies and are responsible for reef building.
rock-like formations built by tiny sea animals called corals. Reefs provide food and shelter to a variety of fish and sea creatures.
A wave-resistant structure resulting from cementation processes and the skeletal construction of hermatypic corals, calcareous algae, and other calcium carbonate-secreting organisms
Accretion of coral skeleton that over time rise above the sea floor.
Ridge of limestone found generally below the ocean surface. This marine feature is produced by numerous colonies of tiny coral animals, called polyps, that create calcium carbonate structures around themselves for protection. When the corals die, their vacant exterior skeletons form layers that cause the reef to grow. Coral reefs are found in the coastal zones of warm tropical and subtropical oceans.
The piled up limestone deposits that are the remains of many generations of coral animals. These reefs occur in tropical oceans and provide habitat for a rich diversity of organisms.
Coral reefs, also known as sea gardens, are structures consisting of coral skeletons built upon coral skeletons. They grow in tropical seas in the photic zone, where there is mild wave action, not so strong to tear the reef apart yet strong enough to stir the water and deliver sufficient food and oxygen. Coral reefs also need nutrient-poor, clear, warm, shallow water to grow.