2. Coral Reefs include the highest concentrations of marine species to be found in any of Earth’s aquatic ecosystems.

3. Coral reefs protect shorelines from the devastating effects of hurricanes and tsunamis.

4. Coral reef organisms are an important source of new pharmaceuticals.

5. There are three main types of coral reef ecosystems Coral reefs are built by both animals and plants Coral reef ecosystems consist of a series of different zones Coral reefs occur mainly in the tropics and subtropics

6. Pacific coral reefs contain many more species of fishes, plants, and corals than Caribbean reefs do.

7. Coral reef fishes are perhaps the most colorful and fascinating to watch of all the many creatures that inhabit these fascinating ecosystems.

9. Animals in the Coral Reef Anemone, sea worms, crustaceans and mollusks