Updated by: Arabinda Naik
Hard Corals (Scleractinia): These corals are responsible for building the stony, reef-like structures. They secrete a hard exoskeleton made of calcium carbonate, which provides support and protection. Hard corals often have a symbiotic relationship with photosynthetic algae called zooxanthellae, which live within their tissues and provide them with nutrients through photosynthesis.
Soft Corals: Unlike hard corals, soft corals do not build rigid skeletons. Instead, they have a more flexible structure composed of a protein called gorgonin. Soft corals can still form colonies and are often colourful and feathery in appearance.
Corals play a crucial role in marine ecosystems. Coral reefs, formed by the accumulation of coral skeletons over time, are among the most diverse and productive ecosystems on Earth. They provide habitat and shelter for a vast array of marine organisms. However, coral reefs are facing numerous threats, including climate change, coral bleaching, overfishing, and pollution, which can lead to their decline and degradation. Conservation efforts are underway to protect and preserve these vital marine ecosystems.