Resilient species of coral can move to inhospitable areas and lay the foundations for new reefs, a study shows.
Resilient species of coral can move to inhospitable areas and lay the foundations for new reefs, a study shows.
Edinburgh scientists have discovered that these tough, mobile corals can create their own stable habitats, which act as a base upon which other species can attach and build reefs.
These hardy corals – known as coralliths – grow on pebbles or fragments of dead reefs, and they can survive being buffeted by waves and ocean currents.
The findings suggest many existing coral habitats – particularly those in areas dominated by sand and rubble – may have been created by coralliths.
Read more at University of Edinburgh
Image: This is an image of corallith. (Credit: Sebastian Hennige)
