How Do Corals Build Reefs? | California Academy of Sciences

About this Video

• Video Title: How Do Corals Build Reefs?
• Channel: California Academy of Sciences
• Speakers: Narrator
• Duration: 00:02:44

Introduction

This video from the California Academy of Sciences explains the process by which coral polyps build reefs. It details how corals utilize calcium carbonate, derived from carbon dioxide and calcium in seawater, to construct their skeletons and expand the reef structure over time. The video also touches on the factors influencing reef shape and coral adaptability.

Key Takeaways

• Coral Polyp Structure: Coral polyps extract carbon from algae and seawater, converting it into calcium carbonate to build their skeletons.
• Calcium Carbonate Formation: Coral polyps exhale carbon dioxide, which combines with calcium from the ocean to create calcium carbonate, a chalky compound used for skeleton construction.
• Reef Building Process: Polyps push away from the surface, fill gaps with calcium carbonate, and repeat this process to build the reef. Reef growth can be several centimeters per year.
• Reef Age and Shape: Reef structures can be centuries old, and their shapes are influenced by ocean currents and other environmental factors. A single species can have different appearances depending on environmental conditions (plasticity).
• Coral Adaptability: Corals demonstrate plasticity, adapting to their environment and changes within it.