What are coral animals formed from?

Coral animals, known as polyps, are formed from tiny marine organisms that belong to the phylum Cnidaria. They primarily consist of a soft-bodied polyp that secretes a hard exoskeleton made of calcium carbonate, contributing to the structure of coral reefs. These polyps often live in colonies, sharing resources and forming intricate structures that provide habitat for diverse marine life. Coral also relies on symbiotic relationships with zooxanthellae, microscopic algae that provide energy through photosynthesis.