In this new paper, his research team revealed that a gene called SLC4γ is necessary for young coral colonies to begin building their skeletons.

Remember, "skeletons" include bone, the protein shell of crabs or insects, the sturdy shells of clams, or the massive rock secreted by coral. A. Apatite (calcium triphosphate): This mineral makes up ...

and it is this skeleton that becomes the foundation of coral reef ecosystems. Coral colonies can be either dieocious or hermaphroditic and can also reproduce asexually through fragmentation and ...

"This is not the first time that MPs [microplastics] have been found in coral skeletons; however, it is the first time that MP fragments smaller than 300 micrometers have been reported in wild ...