Why do coral reefs need tiny algae living inside them?
Quick Answer
Many reef-building corals rely on symbiotic algae called zooxanthellae for much of their energy. The algae use sunlight to make sugars, helping corals build massive reefs in shallow, clear water.
The Full Story
Coral reefs thrive because many corals live in partnership with microscopic algae, often called zooxanthellae, inside their tissues. The algae photosynthesize and provide sugars and other nutrients, while the coral gives them shelter and access to sunlight near the surface. This relationship helps corals grow rapidly enough to build huge reef structures over time. When stressed by heat or other environmental changes, corals can lose these algae, a process known as bleaching. Reefs are among the most biologically rich ecosystems on Earth, and this tiny partnership is central to their existence.
Key Facts
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Suggested video title for this topic:
"The tiny algae that build giant coral cities"
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