Coral reefs are underwater structures made from calcium carbonate secreted by corals. Coral reefs are colonies of tiny animals found in marine waters that contain few nutrients. Most coral reefs are built from stony corals, which in turn consist of polyps that cluster in groups. The polyps belong to a group of animals known as Cnidaria, which also includes sea anemones and jellyfish. Unlike sea anemones, coral polyps secrete hard carbonate exoskeletons which support and protect their bodies. Reefs grow best in warm, shallow, clear, sunny and agitated waters. |
Often called "rainforests of the sea", coral reefs form some of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth. They occupy less than 0.1% of the world's ocean surface, about half the area of France, yet they provide a home for 25% of all marine species, including fish, mollusks, worms, crustaceans, echinoderms, sponges, tunicates and other cnidarians. |
Paradoxically, coral reefs flourish even though they are surrounded by ocean waters that provide few nutrients. They are most commonly found at shallow depths in tropical waters, but deep water and cold water corals also exist on smaller scales in other areas. |
Coral reefs deliver ecosystem services to tourism, fisheries and shoreline protection. The annual global economic value of coral reefs is estimated between US$ 29.8-375 billion. However, coral reefs are fragile ecosystems, partly because they are very sensitive to water temperature.
|
They are under threat from climate change, oceanic acidification, blast fishing, cyanide fishing for aquarium fish, overuse of reef resources, and harmful land-use practices, including urban and agricultural runoff and water pollution, which can harm reefs by encouraging excess algal growth. |
These Photos Show How Our World Is Just Full of Surprises!
We are blessed to inhabit this Earth - think of all the beautiful things that you've seen! Here are 21 photos to prove that the world is full of surprises.
These Are Some Stunning Underwater Shots by Alexander Semenov
Gorgeous Underwater Life by Alexander Semenov
These 10 Endangered Species Are In Dire Need of Help!
There has been much talk about the rapidly declining numbers of many species world over. This is what's being done to help.
The Colors of Nature Are Truly Spectacular
Sometimes, those that differ from the crowd shine the brightest, as these unique brightly-colored animals prove.
Each of These Photos is Real and Stunning
Our planet is a truly magical place, enjoy this stunning collection of photos of our planet, none of which are Photoshopped!
A Photographer's Dream: Photos of Lauterbrunnental Valley
A Photo Series of Lauterbrunnental Valley in Switzerland as well as a video by the photographer.
Nature After Dark: Exploring 8 Nocturnal Animals
Let us take you up close and personal with some of the most unusual nocturnal animals of our world.
You Won't Believe the Equine Wonder in These Horse Photos
Wiebke Haas captures some of the world's most beautiful horses strutting their proud stuff in this superb collection of equine majesty.
9 of the Most Fascinating Night-Singing Birds
Enter the fascinating world of birds that chirp mellifluously at night.
These Beautiful Endangered Butterflies are a Joy to Behold
These exotic butterflies are extremly rare and placed high atop the endangered species list, but will fill your eyes with color and wonder.
These Horses Are Absolutely Gorgeous!
These eight beautiful horse breeds will canter their way straight into your heart.
The Worst Earthquakes in History - a Nightmare Turned Real
On this list, we feature 9 of the most devastating and deadly earthquakes in history - in rising order according to the Richter scale.
The First 3 Months of a Panda's Life is Amazing to Watch!
The first 100 days in a panda's life. They don't start out looking like pandas!
You Won’t Believe These Natural Peculiarities Really Exist
Let’s expand our knowledge of nature with these unbelievable photos showcasing some of the strangest, coolest and creepiest things in nature
In Pictures: Northern Lights Photographer of the Year 2022
Behold the best images from the Northern lights photographer of the year 2022.
Best of Animal Photography: 17 Stunning Images
Check out the most amazing shots of animals caught on camera from “The Decisive Moments Magazine”.
The Most Beautiful Birds in the World Are in Costa Rica
The Jungles of Costa Rica are rich in beautiful animal life, none more beautiful than the many birds that call it home.
Beware of These 15 Animals, They’re the DEADLIEST on Earth
Of all the animals you can meet on our blue planet, these 15 are among the most dangerous and potentially deadly ones...
The Most Frightening and Bizarre Creatures of the Ocean
Terrifying and alien creatures of the dark depths of the ocean
Hummingbirds Come in the Most Beautiful Rainbow Colors!
There are hundreds of gorgeous species of hummingbirds. Have you spotted any of these near you?
If You Love Dogs, You'll Love Learning This About Them..
I love dogs, and so I love learning about them. These facts have really surprised me.
For Proof of True Love, Look to the Animal Kingdom
These heart-warming pictures will remind you that love is all around you in the world.
This Microscopic Animal is Probably Immortal
Not unlike the mythical hydra, real life hydras are microscopic organisms that have incredible regenerative abilities...
INTERACTIVE: Click to See the English Tide Come and Go...
This interactive photo presentation lets you click on images taken by Michael Marten, and see the English tide coming in and going out.
Equestrian Grace: 15 Majestic Horses in Icelandic Scenery
These photographs of beautiful horses in Iceland by Petra Marita look like beautiful paintings.
You’ll Never Guess the Price Tags on These Luxury Plants!
Believe it or not, each of these houseplants costs thousands of dollars. Find out why.
8 Curious Facts About Cheetahs You Probably Didn’t Know
There’s so much more to the cheetah than its speed. Learn some little-known facts about the animal.
These X-ray Photos of Pregnant Animals Will Intrigue You
A collection of X-rays taken of pregnant animals.
Together, These Animals Create Breathtaking Scenes
When people stand together, they become strong! When animals come together, the results are magical!
15 Charming Close-Ups of Cold-Blooded Creatures
You've never seen lizards, snakes, or frogs like this before.
20 Mindblowing Examples of Animal Camouflage
Nature truly is amazing! Take a look at these 20 photos, and see if you can spot the camouflaged creatures!
How Well Do You Know Canada's 9 Wildest Animals?
Canada is home to some fascinating animals. Some are cuddly, some of dangerous, but all hold pride of place in the natural wonderland of Canada.
Prepare to Witness the Majesty of Mother Nature!
If you love nature even half as much as I do, then this stunning collection of photographs is bound to take your breath away, and leave you gasping for more!
You Won't Believe How a Walk in Nature Affects Our Brain
I was absolutely shocked to discover just how beneficial a walk in nature is for the brain. And upon reading #2 and #4, I couldn't wait to put my walking boots on and hit the park.
The Reddest Reds In Nature Are Incredibly Beautiful
Red is arguably the most vibrant color of all, but have you ever spared a thought about the reddest reds in nature? Here are the top 10!
30 Reasons Owls are Beautiful...
Owls have beautiful eyes, they are great hunters and are highly intelligent. Here are 30 owls photos that prove they are stunning and elegant creatures.
15 Magical Animal Moments That’ll Make You Smile All Day!
Animals sometimes take on the role of "models" and provide photographers with the opportunity to capture wonderful moments of magic that simply warm our hearts.
A Wonderful Collection of Flowers, Beauty and Color
This is BabaMail's Ultimate Floral Post collection. We've selected 12 of the best articles, photo-series and videos from our website for you to enjoy.
These Ocean Species Look Like They're From Another Planet
These ocean species are unlike anything I've ever seen before.
There are So Many Reasons for Us to Love Penguins
Penguins are as beautiful as they are fascinating. Here is all you need to know about these wonderful birds...
This Post Will Clear Up Any Misconceptions About Dogs
There are numerous misconceptions concerning the best ways that we should interact with dogs. This post will definitely clear everything up.
This is the Smallest Wild Dog You've Likely Seen
This little wild dog was recently thought to be extinct.
Wild Nature: Young Elephant Fends Off 14 Lions Unharmed
How an elephant convinces a group of lions that this is not an animal worth tangling with...
Admire the Never Ending Beauty of the Rocky Mountains
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most beautiful and awe-striking natural wonders of the USA - take a tour through this must-see location in this video.
Cactuses Have Flowers So Beautiful and Different...
This videos will show you the true beauty of cacti flowers.
These Rare Mushrooms Can Glow In the Dark
Only about 70 mushroom species out of 14,000 have this beautiful and rare ability.