A fascinating fact about coral is that it is both an animal and a key part of the ocean ecosystem. Coral is made up of tiny creatures called polyps, which are related to jellyfish. These polyps form colonies and secrete calcium carbonate, creating the hard skeletons that make up coral reefs. Despite their rocky appearance, coral is alive and depends on a symbiotic relationship with algae called zooxanthellae, which live in their tissues and provide most of their energy through photosynthesis!
