Coral Formation and Characteristics
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Massive Corals and Coral Reefs
Massive corals are ball-shaped or boulder-like in warm tropical waters. Corals grow over centuries through polyps creating new bases above old stony cups.
Hard corals have calcium carbonate skeletons, while soft corals lack hard skeletons.
Coral species number in the thousands. Hard corals have various growth forms like plates, branches, and tables.
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Reef Habitat Discovery
Scientists found a 600-mile Amazon coral reef thriving in muddy waters. This reef’s existence challenges traditional reef growth constraints.
Parrotfish grazing damages reefs but also contributes to sand production.
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Coral Identification and Diversity
Learning six growth forms is essential for spotting coral species. By understanding growth patterns, coral spotters can identify hundreds of species.
Comparison between Massive and Submassive Corals
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Distinguishing Features
Massive corals exhibit ball-like or boulder-like shapes, ranging in size from small as an egg to as large as a house.
Submassive corals have protrusions like knobs, columns, or wedges. Mushroom corals resemble attached or unattached mushroom tops.
Hard corals have calcium carbonate skeletons, while soft corals lack skeletons.
The Porites genus of corals can live for nearly 1000 years.
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Historical Perspectives and Threats
Coral colonies can be centuries old, with structures dating back to the Middle Triassic. Global warming and acidification pose significant threats to modern stony corals.