Most Coral Reefs are at Risk Unless Climate Change is Limited

Summary: Recently global warming and increased ocean acidity have resulted in the deaths of many coral reefs. The first world study of the effects of climate change on coral reefs was recently conducted by several universities. The study has concluded that if nothing is done, then 70% of coral reefs will be gone by 2030. At first increased temperatures ect. cause the symbiotic relationship between zooxanthellae and coral to dissolve in coral bleaching. Eventually, if the temperatures remain high for a long period of time, the coral will die. Sadly, there is a only a slim possibility that zooxanthellae will be able to adapt to the harsher conditions as they have long life cycles, and their asexual reproduction results in little diversity. Additionally, sea water is becoming more acidic from the increase in carbon dioxide which will probably lead to even more coral deaths.

Connection: This connected to our study of protists such as the zooxanthellae, a type of algae that lives on coral. The zooxanthellae has a symbiotic relationship with coral. The coral provides the zooxanthellae with a place to live, and the zooxanthellae gives the coral food. Stresses such as high water temperatures and high light exposure result in coral bleaching. When stressed, the coral gets rid of zooxanthellae. Without a food source the coral dies. This explains why increased temperatures from climate change is such a danger to coral reefs. Additionally, we discussed the asexual reproduction several protists undergo which results in the limited diversity.
Link: http://www.biologynews.net/archives/2012/09/17/most_coral_reefs_are_at_risk_unless_climate_change_is_drastically_limited.html
Author: none given
Source: Biology News.net