Sponges are also being looked at for medicinal purposes. These sponges contain many tiny pores that are filled with bacteria and microalgae. Microalgae and bacteria are being researched and cultured in laboratories to create a wide range of medicines from antibiotics to hypertension drugs. Now that you know what a coral reef can do for you, maybe you can do something to help the coral reef. Many of our coral reefs suffer from abuse and exploitation by people who do not realize that their actions may be harmful to the reef environment.
Corals require years to grow and colonize a small portion of a reef.
The reef as a whole is comprised of many parts and is considered a community that interacts and is intrinsically balanced so that one part does not consume or deprive the whole. There are hundreds of sites dedicated to coral reefs. Teaching others what you learn. Don t pollute. Be aware of where your waste products go.