Corals (July 21)

Corals mainly live in shallow tropical waters that are well lighted. The coral polyp is an animal that builds a limestone cup and hides in it during the day. When we pick up a piece of coral, we are picking up the multiple, connected limestone cups. Each cup is where the coral polyp lives. The coral polyp is a tiny soft-bodied creature that comes out at night and waves its tentacles to catch the passing microscopic plankton.

Corals experience three environmental threats: hot sunshine, powerful waves, and coatings of sand. How do corals protect themselves?

1. Coral reefs are found in tropical, sun-drenched oceans and during low tides, the corals can become too hot. To solve that problem, the corals secrete mucus that acts as a sunscreen.
2. Corals live along the shores that experience pounding, powerful waves (especially during stormy seasons) that could easily break up the coral. To solve that problem, corals build strong foundations to withstand pounding waves.
3. Corals live near sandy beaches so they can easily become coated and even covered with sand. To solve that problem, the coral polyps use their tentacles to clean the sand off of their limestone housing.

Who was the original problem solver for these corals? God Himself – He is the One that cares for His creation.

Acts 4:24

KJV: And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:

NIV: When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God.“Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them.

Reference

Coral: Animal, vegetable and mineral

Learn More

NOAA’s National Ocean Service: Corals