What is a coral? - Part 1 - Classroom on the Reef

Objectives: Learn about corals as animals, and corals as the foundation species of coral reef ecosystems. We will also learn about the different types of reefs that corals can form, and the different coral reef habitats they create.

Download the workbook below, then use the links that follow as you work your way through the tasks.

"The Conversation" article: These bizarre creatures defy what we think we know about plants and animals

What exactly is a coral?

Coral: What does it eat?

Coral aggression - cannibalism on the reef

Coral Attack

Corals - The birds and the bees

Let's make a scientific drawing

Coral reef zones

Birth of an Atoll