Corals are marine animals that belong to the phylum Cnidaria. They form colonies made up of individual polyps that secrete calcium carbonate skeletons, which contribute to the formation of coral reefs.
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Coral bleaching occurs when corals expel the symbiotic algae living within their tissues due to stressors such as increased water temperatures or pollution. This leads to the loss of color in corals and can result in their death if prolonged.
Zooxanthellae are photosynthetic algae that live inside coral tissues in a mutualistic relationship. They provide energy through photosynthesis while receiving nutrients from the coral host.
Great Barrier Reef: The Great Barrier Reef is one of the largest coral reef systems in the world, located off the coast of Australia. It is home to an incredible diversity of marine species but faces threats from climate change, pollution, and other human activities.