Coral reefs

Definition

Coral reefs are diverse underwater ecosystems formed by colonies of tiny marine animals called coral polyps, which secrete calcium carbonate to build hard structures. These vibrant habitats support a vast array of marine life and play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, acting as nurseries for fish and protecting coastlines from erosion.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Coral reefs are often referred to as the 'rainforests of the sea' due to their incredible biodiversity, housing about 25% of all marine species.
2. They provide essential ecosystem services, including habitat for marine organisms, coastal protection from storms, and support for fishing industries.
3. Coral reefs are sensitive to changes in water temperature, salinity, and pollution, making them vulnerable to climate change and human activities.
4. The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world, stretching over 2,300 kilometers along the coast of Queensland, Australia.
5. Restoration efforts for coral reefs include techniques like coral gardening and artificial reefs to help rebuild damaged areas and promote biodiversity.

Review Questions

• How do coral reefs contribute to marine biodiversity and what role do they play in coastal protection?
  • Coral reefs contribute significantly to marine biodiversity by providing habitats for approximately 25% of all marine species, including fish, invertebrates, and algae. They create complex structures that serve as nurseries for young fish and other organisms. Additionally, coral reefs protect coastlines from erosion and storm surges by absorbing wave energy, thus reducing the impact of storms on coastal communities.
• Discuss the implications of coral bleaching on reef ecosystems and local economies that depend on them.
  • Coral bleaching can have devastating effects on reef ecosystems, leading to loss of biodiversity as stressed corals expel their symbiotic algae and turn white. This not only threatens the corals themselves but also the myriad species that rely on them for food and shelter. Economically, communities dependent on tourism and fishing related to healthy coral reefs may suffer significant losses as degraded reefs fail to attract visitors or produce fish stocks.
• Evaluate various strategies used in coral reef restoration and their effectiveness in combating decline due to environmental pressures.
  • Strategies for coral reef restoration include methods like coral gardening, where fragments of healthy corals are cultivated in nurseries before being transplanted onto degraded reefs. Artificial reefs are also created to provide new habitats for marine life. The effectiveness of these methods can vary; while they show promise in rebuilding coral populations and enhancing biodiversity, ongoing environmental pressures such as climate change and pollution must be addressed concurrently for long-term success.

Related terms

coral bleaching:

A phenomenon where corals lose their vibrant colors due to stress factors like rising water temperatures, leading to the expulsion of the symbiotic algae they rely on for nutrients.

biodiversity: The variety of life in a particular ecosystem, including the different species of plants, animals, and microorganisms that inhabit it; coral reefs are among the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet.

symbiosis:

A close ecological relationship between two different species, such as the mutually beneficial relationship between coral polyps and zooxanthellae algae.