Coral's secret of survival is its partnership with plants.Coral tissue is filled with microscopic plants which need strong sunlight so photosynthesis takes place.
This causes plants to grow and multiply.
Algae (plants) give off oxygen which polyps need to grow
Plants are nourished by carbon dioxide and nutrient salts furnished by animal tissue
Algae also produce chemicals that help polyps build their stony skeletons so outer skeleton grows as polyp grows.
Without plants help, the coral would smother in congested masses.
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