Scientists discovered the world’s largest coral discovered in the southwest Pacific Ocean, near solomon islands.

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Solomon Islands

Why in news?

• Scientists discovered theworld’s largest coral discovered in the southwest Pacific Ocean, near solomon islands.

Important points:

• It’s more than 100 feet long, at least 300 years old and visible from space. 
• It’s three times larger than the previous record-breaker in American Samoa, according to Pristine Seas, and longer than a blue whale, the planet’s biggest animal.
• The mega coral was spotted during a scientific expedition launched by the National Geographic Pristine Seas program in October to study ocean health in the Solomon Islands.

Coral reefs:

• Coral reefs are complex ecosystems that are home to a wide variety of marine life and offer many benefits to humans and the environment.
• Coral reefs are often called the "rainforests of the sea" because of their incredible biodiversity. 
• They provide food and shelter for many animals, including fish, mollusks, sea urchins, and sponges. 

About Solomon Islands:

• The Solomon Islands, a nation of hundreds of islands in the South Pacific, has many WWII-era sites. 
• Guadalcanal, a province and one of the archipelago’s largest islands, honors fallen Allied soldiers at its U.S. War Memorial.
• Guadalcanal is also home to the nation’s capital, Honiara,whose bustling Central Market showcases the islands’ produce and traditional handicrafts.
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