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What are coral polyps and how do they form reefs?
Answer
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- Coral polyps are short-lived microscopic organisms that live in colonies and secrete calcium carbonate.
- They form reefs by depositing their secretion and skeletons in the form of three kinds of reefs: barrier reefs, fringing reefs, and atolls.
- The Great Barrier Reef of Australia is a good example of the barrier reefs.
- Atolls are circular or horse shoe-shaped coral reefs.
- Coral reefs act as natural barriers that protect coastlines from storms, waves, and erosion.
