Colossal Coral Colony

Scientists announced yesterday the discovery of the world's largest known coral colony near the Pacific's Solomon Islands. The 300- to 500-year-old coral measures roughly 112 feet wide and 105 feet long—so large it is visible from space and three times larger than the previous record holder. 

The coral colony is a single entity composed of at least 1 billion genetically identical polyps functioning as one organism; coral reefs are ecosystems formed by multiple coral colonies. The coral, part of the Pavona clavus species, is predominantly brown with splashes of color.

Recent studies show nearly 44% of warm-water coral species face extinction. Since last year, about 77% of reefs have experienced bleaching heat stress, a process whereby corals lose their essential algae. This colony's survival in cooler waters suggests some corals may adapt better to environmental changes than previously thought.