How Corals Build the Reef — Passage
Corals are the master builders of the Great Barrier Reef. These tiny animals, called polyps, create the massive structures we see as coral reefs. The process begins when free-swimming coral larvae attach to underwater rocks or other hard surfaces near the coast. Once attached, they begin to divide and grow, forming colonies. As they grow, the polyps secrete a hard calcium carbonate skeleton around themselves for protection. This skeleton becomes the structure of the coral reef. Over time, as more polyps live and die, their skeletons build up layer by layer. This process is very slow – it can take coral reefs thousands of years to form.
That's why it's so important to protect existing reefs. The coral polyps work tirelessly, generation after generation, to create and maintain these underwater cities that provide homes for countless sea creatures.
What are the main builders of coral reefs?
FishCoral polypsSea turtlesAlgaeWhere do coral larvae first attach?
To other fishTo underwater rocks or hard surfacesTo the ocean surfaceTo seaweedWhat do coral polyps secrete to protect themselves?
SlimeSoft tissueCalcium carbonate skeletonInkHow long can it take for coral reefs to form?
A few monthsSeveral yearsHundreds of yearsThousands of yearsWhy does the passage say it's important to protect existing reefs?
Because they're beautifulBecause they're good for tourismBecause they take a very long time to formBecause they produce oxygenWhat does the passage compare coral reefs to?
Underwater citiesFloating islandsMountain rangesDesert oasesCommon core standards covered
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