Corals obtain their food from the living algae present in their tissues or by catching and digesting prey. The majority of the reef-forming corals exhibit a specific association with tiny algae known as zooxanthellae. The algae thrive within the coral polyps, utilizing sunlight to produce sugar for energy.
This energy is mediated towards the polyp, offering much-required nutrition. In return, the coral polyps offer the algae with a protective home and carbon dioxide. Corals also consume tiny floating species known as zooplankton.
Block mountains form along fault blocks. Tension in a fault block can cause horsts in the fault block to tip. The horst edges point upward, forming a range of exposed mountains.
