CORAL REEF Meaning and
Definition
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A coral reef is a complex and diverse underwater ecosystem formed by the accumulation of hard external skeletons secreted by colonies of coral polyps, tiny invertebrate animals related to sea anemones. It is typically found in warm, shallow waters of tropical and subtropical oceans, with the majority concentrated in the Indo-Pacific region including the Great Barrier Reef.
The reef structure is built over time through the process of calcification, as the polyps extract calcium carbonate from seawater to form a hard exoskeleton around their soft bodies. The accumulated limestone skeleton of dead coral, together with trapped sediment and other organic debris, forms the foundation of the reef structure.
Coral reefs provide a habitat for a myriad of marine species, making them one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth. The vibrant colors and intricate shapes of the corals attract a wide range of organisms, including fish, mollusks, crustaceans, sponges, and various types of algae. These organisms rely on the reef for food, shelter, and protection from predators.
In addition to their ecological significance, coral reefs also deliver essential ecosystem services. They protect coastlines from erosion and storm damage by absorbing wave energy, and they contribute to the carbon and nitrogen cycles in the ocean. These fragile ecosystems, however, face numerous threats such as climate change, ocean acidification, pollution, overfishing, and physical damage caused by human activities. Conservation efforts are crucial to preserve and restore these remarkable natural wonders.
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A chain or ridges of coral in various parts of the ocean, at or above the surface, forming an island.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for CORAL REEF
- xoral reef
- voral reef
- foral reef
- doral reef
- ciral reef
- ckral reef
- clral reef
- cpral reef
- c0ral reef
- c9ral reef
- coeal reef
- codal reef
- cofal reef
- cotal reef
- co5al reef
- co4al reef
- corzl reef
- corsl reef
- corwl reef
Etymology of CORAL REEF
The word "coral" originates from the Old French word "corail", which can be traced back to the Latin "corallium", derived from the Ancient Greek word "korallion". The exact origin of the Greek word is uncertain, but it may have come from a Semitic language. The term "reef" comes from the Middle Dutch word "ref", meaning a "ridge" or "raised area". Therefore, the etymology of "coral reef" combines the Latin and Greek words for coral with the Middle Dutch word for a ridge, indicating a raised area consisting of coral.
Similar spelling words for CORAL REEF
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