Among the World’s Oldest Animals
November 9, 2009
Corals are fundamental to many marine ecosystems
Corals serve as habitat for hundreds of marine species
Coral reefs come in numerous shapes and sizes
National Park Service scientists and colleagues have reported very large coral colonies off of the coast of American Samoa. The largest colony is over 50 feet across and is estimated to be between 360 and 800 years old, although it may be much older. Corals are colonies of genetically identical animals that form from a single polyp. Depending on your point of view, this colony could be considered the oldest animal on earth.
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