Coral reefs are bustling underwater communities inhabited by thousands of species of animals and plants. Often mistaken for rocks or plants, coral is actually the limestone skeleton of a tiny spineless animal called a coral polyp. Coral reefs are mostly found in shallow tropical water, and are among the world’s most endangered ecosystems. Today’s tour explores why coral reefs are so important, and how we can protect them.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"