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Coral reefs have been on the planet for over 400 million years!

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Coral reef are made up of a ton of calcium carbonate which is basically limestone. This calcium carbonate is secreted over thousands of years by billions of tiny soft bodied animals called coral polyps. All this secretion builds up over millions of years to create beautiful coral reefs. These reefs provide important habitat, giving homes to 25% of the planet’s marine species.

coral, reef, fish

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070515074933.htm

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16 COMMENTS

  5. This picture looks familiar to one I saw in a book. Very familiar………….
    anyways, coral reefs are an ancient form of marine life still alive today. They are kinda like sharks because both haven’t changed much since the ancient times and coral reefs still provide shelter for young animals and habitats for over 25% of all marine species on earth! I had a chance to go snorkeling on a reef in Cuba, but I kinda missed my chance. 🙁

  6. Isn’t it a great picture!? And ninobi998, that’s sad that you missed your chance to go snorkeling on a reef but there will always be another time to go! That brings up a perfect snorkeling question. If you guys could go snorkeling in anywhere in the world, where would you go?

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