Coral Reefs today are among the most diverse and economically valuable ecosystems, are they worth saving? Today coral reefs also known as the "rain forests of the sea" cover less than 1% of the ocean's surface and less than 2% of the ocean's bottom. Coral reefs are essential spawning, nursery, breeding, and feeding grounds for numerous number of different organisms. Coral reefs support 4,000 species of fish and 800 hard coral species. Corals are related to sea anemones and they all share the same
Coral reefs are a very important to our ecosystem and our earth. The ocean contains many different types of coral reefs containing a wide variety of living things. Although, every day, it seems that our coral reefs are becoming endangered. While these coral reefs are important to us, they are in great danger of being nonexistent. First of all, a coral reef is defined as "a ridge of rock in the sea formed by the growth and deposit of coral." Coral reefs are a diverse underwater ecosystem held together
Coral reefs are underwater ecosystems that are held together by calcium carbonate that is secreted by corals. They are usually built by colonies of tiny animals that are in marine water containing some nutrients (McCook, Jompa & Diaz-Pulido, 2001). Coral reefs are mainly built by the stony corals consisting of polyps that are in groups. These polyps belong to groups of animals called the Cnidarian that includes the sea anemones and jellyfish. Coral reefs mainly grow in warm, shallow, sunny and agitated
The Importance and Distinction of Coral Reefs Nestled in tropical ocean waters, coral reefs provide valuable resources to both human and marine life. Coral reefs are estimated to contain one-quarter of the undersea world's diverse species while covering less than 0.2 % of the ocean floor. However, coral reefs are in serious danger due to both natural and man-made causes (Edmonds, 1998). Population growth and development has altered the coral reef environment. Destructive fishing practices
Coral reef biome Have you ever been to a coral reef if not you will learn about them today.The coral reef biome is one of the most interesting biomes. In this paper you can learn about the climate and location ,the pants and animals,also there environmental concerns and the human impact on the coral reef biome. Coral reefs are located in tropical oceans near the equator. The largest coral reef can be found in Australia, it is called the Great Barrier Reef. the second largest coral reef can be found
Where have all the coral reefs gone? Reef deforestation has been occurring around the globe at an alarming rate and is affecting us more than we think. These beautiful reefs are a diverse marine version of a tropical rainforest and is an ecosystem that homes thousands of species. Coral reefs grow in oceans that are clear and clean and they need the sun for photosynthesis. Unfortunately, this underwater paradise is becoming less and less of an attraction due to the destruction of them. Places such
According to NOAA a coral reef is “a ridge of rock in the sea formed by the growth and deposit of coral.” Stony coral polyps secrete a calcium carbonate skeleton that over many years builds up to create the foundation which all coral lives on. These limestone remains are the building blocks for coral colonies supporting millions of polyps which can weigh several tons. Having said that, coral reefs grow very slowly about 0.5cm-2cm per year, meaning that all damage and death coral colonies experience
at one corner of the Coral Triangle, which is home to the most marine biodiversity on Earth. In fact, Fiji’s world renowned, spectacular color, coral reefs entice the naked eye, while many other coral reef sites globally have degraded. The reefs of Fiji seem to remain vibrant and diverse, making them a high priority for marine conservation in the Pacific Ocean. Fiji is home to many wetland ecosystems on the mainland that flow into the coastal mangrove wetlands and coral reefs. The conservation efforts
beach, a chemical, oxybenzone, not only harming coral, but causing damage to its DNA, hindering further development. The absence of oxybenzone could help affected reefs recover, and prevent future damage to other reefs. However, this toxic chemical is a crucial ingredient in sunscreen, in which it is used to block out UV (ultra violet) rays, and there is no easy substitute. This leads to an evident predicament, which can be boiled down to, coral reefs or sunscreen. Though many companies are working
Despite much of the literature dwelling on the effect of trampling, no single study evaluated the effect of Medina in the reef environment. The research did not indicate all the species as one of the [potential consequences of human activities such as trampling of the coral reefs. Tourism Tourism has been seen to be having some negative impact on the coral reefs. However, the involvement of human activity contributes to the economy of a country thus supporting lives of the individual. The coastal