Some ecosystems are extraordinary.
Look at these pictures.
Coral reefs are some of the most beautiful ecosystems on Earth.
Coral reefs are in shallow ocean water, where there is a lot of sunlight.
There can be thousands of plants and animals in one coral reef.
Coral reefs get their name from the coral on the ocean floor.
Corals might look like plants or rocks, but they are neither.
They are actually animals! Yes, coral is living.
Around coral, you can find all kinds of animals.
You might see jellyfish, crabs, sea stars, turtles, dolphins, sharks and so many more animals!
The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is the biggest coral reef in the world.
It is so big that it can be seen from space!
The Great Barrier Reef is home to 1625 types of fish.
There are not many coral reefs on Earth.
Coral reefs only cover 0.1% of all the world’s oceans.
But they are actually home to 25% of all ocean life!
Coral reefs are really special.
Exercise
Please open the exercise to continue.