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Each polyp consists of three basic tissue layers: an outer epidermis, an inner layer of cells lining the gastrovascular cavity which acts as an internal space for digestion, and a layer called the mesoglea in between. Coral polyps are the tiny creatures that live in large colonies that make up an entire reef structure. At night, the polyps stretch their long tentacles out of their skeleton to capture the floating plankton they eat.

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Coral reefs are massive structures made of limestone deposited by coral polyps. Often referred to as the “rainforests of the sea,” coral reefs support approximately 25 percent of all known marine species. With growth rates of 0.3 to 2 centimeters per year for massive corals, and up to 10 centimeters per year for branching corals, it can take up to 10,000 years for a coral reef to form from a group of larvae. 

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Coral reefs grow slowly in warm tropical waters, building up their colorful shapes over hundreds and thousands of years. These vibrant metropolises provide food and shelter for millions of species of fishes, sea turtles, crustaceans and invertebrates making coral reefs one of Earth's most diverse habitats.

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Fringing reefs grow near the coastline around islands and continents. They are separated from the shore by narrow, shallow lagoons. Fringing reefs are the most common type of reef.

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Barrier reefs also parallel the coastline but are separated by deeper, wider lagoons. At their shallowest points, they can reach the water’s surface forming a “barrier” to navigation.

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Atolls are rings of coral that create protected lagoons and are usually located in the middle of the sea. Atolls usually form when islands surrounded by fringing reefs sink into the sea or the sea level rises around them.

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Coral reefs are often called the rainforests of the sea. Even though they cover less than one percent of the ocean floor, reefs support about 25% of all marine life, including fish, invertebrates, and sea mammals. On top of that, these reef structures play an important role as natural breakwaters, helping reduce the impact of cyclones, hurricanes, and typhoons. Since they extend tens of meters into the ocean, they’re effective in absorbing elements from the ocean and reducing coastal erosion.

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 5 Benefits of Coral Reefs: Coastal Protection 

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 5 Benefits of Coral Reefs: Coastal Protection 

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Coral reefs are host to juvenile fish that live further offshore, which form the backbone of other ecosystems. Mangroves are also sought after by some species of fish because it’s where they lay their breeding juvenile ecosystems. Marine lifeforms take shelter in corals because they provide nitrogen, assist in carbon fixing, and provide other essential nutrients. More importantly, the absence of reefs would leave thousands of marine species without a home. Since corals serve as a protective barrier for these organisms, the exposure could cause imbalances to the food web and lead to a decline in fish populations.

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5 Benefits of Coral Reefs: Preservation of Biodiversity

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5 Benefits of Coral Reefs: Preservation of Biodiversity

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Healthy coral reefs keep fisheries in business. About half of all federally managed fisheries depend on marine ecosystems and related habitats for their income. The National Marine Fisheries Service estimates that the commercial value of fisheries in the United States is over $100 million. Moreover, the Great Barrier Reef generates more than $1.5 billion every year for the Australian economy. But fisheries aren’t the only ones reaping the benefits of coral reefs. Data shows that more 275 million people live within 10 kilometers of coastline and 30 kilometers of coral reefs. Those within close proximity of these areas derive much of their food directly from the waters.

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5 Benefits of Coral Reefs: Fishing Industry Support                                                                                       

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5 Benefits of Coral Reefs: Fishing Industry Support                                                                                       

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Tourism is one of the world’s largest industries, contributing significantly to the global economy. A lot of tourism depends on the natural environment, and coral reefs can be considered the poster child of nature-based tourism.Corals hold much appeal for those seeking to swim over glimmering gardens of coral alongside colorful hordes of fish.Corals reefs are so alluring, in fact, that a study published in the Journal of Marine Policy reveals that they support 70 million trips every year, making them a powerful engine for tourism. Reef-adjacent tourism accounts for $16 billion a year.

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5 Benefits of Coral Reefs: Tourism Support

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5 Benefits of Coral Reefs: Tourism Support

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Corals are vast storehouses of genetic resources with significant medicinal potential. Since coral reefs are stationary organisms, they’ve evolved chemical defenses for greater protection against predators. Scientists are conducting research on the potential of these substances because they represent an important source of medical treatment and nutritional supplements. Several products from marine organisms have already been made, including cancer therapy from algae and painkillers taken from snail venom.

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5 Benefits of Coral Reefs: Advancements in Medical Research

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5 Benefits of Coral Reefs: Advancements in Medical Research

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Increased levels of greenhouse gases, produced by human activities, are causing oceans to warm up and become more acidic. Rising water temperatures can cause corals to expel the beneficial algae living in their tissues—a condition known as coral bleaching—leaving them vulnerable to disease and death. Increasing acidity makes it harder for corals to build the calcium carbonate skeletons they need to grow and survive. 

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3 Major Threats to Coral Reefs: Climate Change

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3 Major Threats to Coral Reefs: Climate Change

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Almost everything that flows into our water eventually finds its way into the ocean. Increasing human populations and the development of coastal areas have led to increased pollution through toxic chemicals, oil, sewage, and agricultural runoff, all of which threaten the health of coral reefs.

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3 Major Threats to Coral Reefs: Pollution

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3 Major Threats to Coral Reefs: Pollution

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Fish that live in coral reefs are a significant source of food for more than a billion people worldwide. But unsustainable fishing practices, such as using bottom trawls (fishing nets that are dragged across the ocean floor) and dynamite fishing, can damage coral and disrupt the ecosystem.

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3 Major Threats to Coral Reefs: Overfishing

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3 Major Threats to Coral Reefs: Overfishing

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Conserve Water: The less water you use, the less runoff and wastewater that eventually find their ways back into the ocean. Volunteer: Volunteer in local beach or reef cleanups. If you don't live near the coast, get involved in protecting your watershed. Corals are already a gift, don't give them as presents: It takes corals decades or longer to create reef structures, so leave them on the reef. Long-lasting light bulbs: Energy efficient light bulbs reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Climate change is one of the leading threats to coral reef survival. If you dive, don't touch: Coral reefs are alive. Stirred-up sediment can smother corals. Check sunscreen active ingredients: Seek shade between 10 am & 2 pm, use Ultraviolet Protection Factor, and choose sunscreens with chemicals that don’t harm marine life. Be a marine crusader: In addition to picking up your own trash, carry away the trash that others have left behind. Don't send chemicals into our waterways: Nutrients from excess fertilizer increases algae growth that blocks sunlight to corals. Practice safe boating: Anchor in sandy areas away from coral and sea grasses so that the anchor and chain do not drag on nearby corals.

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Actions that can Reduce/Eliminate Threats to Coral Reefs

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Actions that can Reduce/Eliminate Threats to Coral Reefs

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I think a possible reason for corals under stress expelling their zooxanthellae, could be due to thermal stress. I think the reasoning behind this is because of the harsh climates and potential overheating.