Appendix 2
Reading to Learn
4A ‧ Ch.5 Balance of Nature ‧ p.42
Have you ever seen a unique and beautiful coral reef? It is a unique ocean environment formed by bones of hard corals. What are corals? They are not plants. They are formed by many small polyps and are a kind of sea animals that live in groups. They hunt floating plants for food. 香港資訊 Science for You Beautiful and Important Coral Reefs
Although the polyps of hard corals are very small, they can form big pieces of hard corals when their bones are connected. When different kinds and periods of hard corals are connected and come together, they become beautiful coral reefs after several hundred years. Apart from being a nice view to look at, they provide sea animals, such as fish and shellfish, with food, and an ideal place to live and raise their children. With a large amount of food and many caves for hiding, coral reefs attract many animals to live there, making them a diverse natural environment. We can find more than 2000 types of fish in some large coral reefs!
coral polyps that live in groups
Coral reefs are not only homes to sea animals, they also bring many benefits to humans. Coral reefs provide us with different kinds of seafood.
They also protect seashores from erosion caused by waves from storms. They act as a natural barrier that protects the coastal areas. Therefore, we should care for the ocean and protect corals.
Let’s Think
1. How are coral reefs formed? 2. What benefits can coral reefs bring to sea animals and humans?
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