The Rainbow of the Deep!!!
By: Keith Mantell
Introduction
Amazingly, Coral is very important to the earth’s underwater ecosystems! This organism is a key Ingredient to any kind of CORAL reef. The Great Barrier Reef is full to the brim with these, and slowly growing every day! There are many ways to state the features of this plant-like animal, but let’s just stick with the basics.
Body structure and appearence
The species can grow infinitely. However, normally stopping at around 11 feet. An individual Coral is called a polyp, which is also the name of it’s inside skeleton. It’s hollow body structure allows microorganisms like algae, for example. Algae also helps Coral grow faster and healthier. The giant mass can even form different shapes and patterns, like fingers, feathers, branches, and even a BRAIN.
Habitat
Wow, Coral can literally be found all over the world! Coral can live in any ocean in the world. But it normally lives in tropical and subtropical climates, like portions of the Pacific and Indian oceans. They can also be found near Florida and in the Gulf of Mexico. Once, some were found in the NORTH POLE!!!(Dead from lack of heat, though.)
Movement
Did you know Coral is like a hotel for fish? Coral makes a great place for small organisms to live. And it makes an EXCELLENT place for meeting and breeding for fish, while protecting them from predators. Coral also comes with food for room service for organisms that live on the inside of the rainbow in the water.
Closing
I personally think coral is pretty. Coral truly is a natural, yet some-what urban creation of the deep. It also provides a great way to open up a child’s mind, teaching them the possibilities of nature itself. But Sadly, by 2030, all of it will be gone. But before that happens, one thing is certain: If we didn’t have things like these in the first place, we wouldn’t have worldwide attractions like the Great Barrier Reef today!
Go Fish
Think Tank!
Quizzle!
Word Wall!
Comics!
Diorama
and a sponge.