An illustrated look at corals and the reefs they build around the
world, and the causes and dire consequences of their rapid
disappearance
Corals are among the most varied lifeforms on Earth, ranging from
mushroom corals and leather corals to button polyps, sea fans, anemones,
and pulse corals. Bridging the gap between plant and animal, these
marine invertebrates serve as homes to reef fish and share symbiotic
relationships with photosynthesizing algae, which provide corals with
their nourishment. This stunningly illustrated book profiles the
astonishing diversity of the world's coral groups, describing key
aspects of their natural history and explaining why coral reefs are
critical to the health of our oceans. Representative examples of corals
have been selected to illustrate the broad range of species, and the
book's lively and informative commentary covers everything from
identification to conservation, making it an essential resource for
marine biologists, divers, and anyone who is fascinated by these
remarkable sea creatures.
- Features more than 200 exquisite color photos
- Highlights key aspects of corals and their natural history
- Features representative examples from around the world
- Includes photos of rare and unusual species