​How does the partnership between algae and coral work?

If you live permanently attached to a site under the tropical sun, it makes sense to be solar powered. Although this is common in plants, animals don't possess the adaptations to photosynthesize and this is where the symbiotic relationship between algae and corals gives both organisms a great advantage.

The algae in question - known as 'zooxanthellae' live within the cells of corals, anemones and giant clams and provide sugars to their host, in exchange for shelter and nutrients in the form of carbon dioxide and nitrogen based waste.