A staking pool is a core node in Cardano’s peer-to-peer decentralized network. It generates blocks for Cardano’s blockchain on behalf of the stakeholders in the staking pool, thus earning regular rewards for the stakeholders.

No. Joining a staking pool is not required, but it is highly recommended. Joining a staking pool also helps to secure the Cardano blockchain, while earning you frequent rewards.

No. Unlike some other staking cryptocurrencies Cardano staking doesn’t lock up your ADA so you are free to move it at any time that you want. There is no locking period for Cardano staking.

The mainnet Daedalus wallet will feature a list of all participating stake pools directly as well as Yoroi wallet. These pools will be ranked and color-coded to help stakeholders make the best decision about where to delegate their stake. Ranking is based on many factors including fees, pledge, and performance, which is calculated in part based on the number of blocks the stake pool was tasked to create compared to the number actually created in a single epoch. You can choose the pool that help with certain cause like H3ART pool which will support the treatment of congenital and structural heart disease

When you are staking you are still the only person that has access to move the funds so the security of your ADA is still 100% in your hands. By staking you are just signing a transaction to say which pool you are choosing so even if that pool gets hacked or disappeared, your funds are safe and you can redelegate to another pool.