An Underwater Garden

What is a Coral Reef?

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A reef is a coral community consisting of several thousand organisms living together. Reefs grow very slowly over time. In fact coral reefs can take hundreds of years to grow! Coral reefs are one of the oldest environments on Earth. Most of the reefs we see now have been growing for over 5,000 years. Just like plants in a garden, corals need a special balance of water and light. Coral reefs occupy less than 1% of the ocean floor, but are inhabited by at least 25% of all marine species. Reefs create food and shelter for small plants and animals and are important landbuilders in tropical areas, forming islands and protecting the shore from erosion.