coral reef cultural definition

A formation, at or near the surface of tropical waters, formed by skeletal deposits of corals, a form of sea life.

• Coral reefs form a protective environment for a wide variety of marine animals.
• Atolls — ring-shaped islands that nearly or entirely enclose a lagoon — are coral reefs.
• The largest coral reef is the Great Barrier Reef of Australia.
• Coral reefs are very sensitive to chemical pollution and changes in temperature and are considered to be in danger from environmental stress.