Author: Chris Smyth
Source: Times Online
May 29, 2009

Coral communicates with the algae that give many reefs their colour — which could explain why reefs around the world are dying, scientists say.

Genetic analysis shows that coral has surprisingly complex genomes, sharing some of the same genes as human beings, which help it to maintain a delicate symbiotic relationship with the algae living within its body. These algae are crucial to the coral’s survival and also give reefs their vibrant hues.

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