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Coral reefs are vibrant and diverse underwater ecosystems that thrive in shallow tropical waters around the world. As home to an array of marine life, coral reefs support a wide variety of animals, from microscopic plankton to large marine mammals like dolphins and whales. These delicate structures are formed by millions of tiny polyps, which secrete calcium carbonate to create hard, protective shelters. The interconnected network of corals provides food, shelter, breeding grounds, and protection for countless species, making them one of the most biodiverse habitats on Earth. Coral reefs also serve as a critical buffer between land and sea, absorbing wave energy and reducing coastal erosion. However, human activities such as overfishing, pollution, and climate change pose significant threats to these vital ecosystems, putting both marine life and the health of our planet at risk.