When temperatures rise and threaten a hard coral’s survival, why can’t they pick up and move to less severe environments? Individual coral polyps form a colony, which takes root on the ocean floor, much like a plant. But coral isn’t a plant at all. Each of the hundreds to hundreds of thousands of polyps within the colony is an individual animal. Once fastened together on the seafloor, they are sessile– meaning they are permanently attached to their location. Together, they form intricate structures that house unparalleled biodiversity. Slip below the surface and explore vibrant coral ecosystems by visiting the link in our bio! Photos by mitty #reef #nature #planet #shark #coral #science #coralreef