Coral reefs sust__ __ __ immense mar__ __ __ biodiversity, serv__ __ __ as habit__ __ __ for thous__ __ __ __ of spec__ __ __. These comp__ __ __ structures are for__ __ __ by sm__ __ __ organisms kn__ __ __ as polyps, wh__ __ __ secrete calc__ __ __ carbonate to bu__ __ __ protective skeletons. Reefs also provide essential barriers against storm surges and coastal erosion.