Coral is often mistaken for a rock because of its hard surface! Many think it is a plant because it is rooted in the ground. Coral is a group of animals!! Different from rocks, coral is alive. Unlike plants, corals do not make their own food. A coral is actually made up of thousands of tiny animals called polyps! These tiny animals use limestone from the seawater to build a hard skeleton around them. That protects the polyps and also makes the coral hard! Coral reefs are groups of coral in the ocean. Coral reefs are very important for oceans because they host up to 25% of marine animals! Coral reefs constantly provide animals with food and places to live. That is why coral reefs are so important!
