Why are ancient coral reefs in the interior plains important today?

Ancient coral reefs in the interior plains are important today because they provide valuable insights into Earth's geological history, including past climate conditions and sea level changes. These fossilized reefs can also inform scientists about biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics in ancient marine environments, contributing to our understanding of current ecological shifts. Additionally, they can serve as indicators of natural resource locations, such as oil and gas deposits, which are crucial for economic development. Overall, studying these ancient formations helps us better understand both past and present environmental changes.