10 Questions
What is the primary reason coral cannot be classified as a plant?
Coral does not produce its own food
What are the individual animals that make up a coral colony called?
Polyps
What is the primary function of coral tentacles?
To capture food, defend the coral, and clear debris
How do hard corals form reefs and grow larger over time?
By leaving behind hard skeletons for new polyps to grow on
What gives coral its color?
A type of algae called zooxanthellae living inside the coral
What role do zooxanthellae play in coral?
They provide coral with oxygen, nutrients, and color
Where do coral reefs typically develop?
In warm, shallow waters
How do soft corals differ from hard corals in their growth pattern?
Soft corals grow on reefs but do not form their own, while hard corals form reefs
How many tentacles do soft coral polyps have?
Eight tentacles
What unique feature distinguishes soft coral polyps from hard coral polyps?
Rooted to surfaces other than parent polyps
Learn about the biology of coral, including how it is classified as an animal rather than a plant, and the structure of coral colonies composed of tiny animals called coral polyps.
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