Corals have been thriving on earth for 4.6 billion years, and they are one of the most diverse and beautiful creatures in the ocean. They have witnessed the evolution of life on earth and have contributed to the balance of marine ecosystems.
In this article, we will explore the main characteristics, habitat, reproduction, efficacy, and significance of corals.
Main Characteristics of Corals
Corals are not just beautiful decorations, but they are also real animals. They secrete a calcareous skeleton that is mostly red but can also be black or white, depending on temperature conditions. Corals have a branch-like shape and come in a wide range of colors, including red, pink, orange-red, and black.
The red color is due to the coral's absorption of iron oxide in seawater during growth, while the black color is due to organic matter. Corals have a vitreous to waxy sheen and are opaque to translucent.
Coral Habitat
Corals thrive in tropical and subtropical waters and are formed by aggregations of coral polyps. Coral polyps are small animals that are several millimeters long and have many tentacles that are used for photosynthesis and preying on small plankton.
Corals provide a habitat for a variety of marine organisms, and they play a vital role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems.
Reproduction of Corals
Corals can reproduce sexually or asexually. Most corals use budding, where polyps form small buds that then develop into new polyps. Occasionally, corals also reproduce by spawning, from which larvae hatch into adults.
Coral reefs can reproduce quickly if they are healthy, and they can recover from damage caused by storms or human activities.
Efficacy and Role of Coral
Coral has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. It has a sedative and calming effect and can be used to treat symptoms such as restlessness, insomnia, and more dreams. It also has the effect of hemostasis and eyesight, and it helps to treat burns, nosebleeds, cataracts, and other diseases.
Recent studies have shown that coral has medicinal value to some animals as well. Dolphins, for instance, choose specific corals to fight skin diseases. Coral and polyp mucus can modulate dolphin skin microbiota and treat infections. Repeated rubbing exposes active metabolites to the dolphin's skin, which can help them achieve skin homeostasis and help prevent or help treat microbial infections.
The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is the longest coral reef in the world, and it runs through the northeast coast of Australia. It has a total length of 2,011 kilometers and a width of 161 kilometers.
It consists of more than 2,900 coral reef islands and has become a popular tourist attraction for people around the world. The Great Barrier Reef is home to more than 1,500 species of fish, 600 species of coral, and thousands of other marine organisms.
Building Your Own Coral Garden
If you are interested in bringing home the beauty of the sea, you can consider building a "coral garden" at home. This can be done using live coral, which can be purchased from reputable marine aquarium stores.
It is important to note that live coral requires proper care and maintenance, such as adequate lighting, water flow, and temperature control. It is also crucial to make sure that the coral is ethically sourced and that it is not harvested from the wild.
Corals are one of the most fascinating and beautiful creatures in the ocean. They play a vital role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems and have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries.
