Human Brain Coral Reef

The Ocean is a miraculous place filled to the brim with foreign creatures and wondrous wildlife. From the Great Orcas of the Antarctic waters to the minuscule plankton, these marine life conquer the ocean's depths, but it's not just the creatures that reside here. Coral occupy their fair share of space upon the ocean's floor filling the waters with their glamour and residential charm for those in search of shelter.

In this episode of the BBC Documentary series, “The Blue Planet: Coral Sea” examines the roles and effects of coral reefs on other marine species. Coral reefs play a major part in the marine food web since they are responsible for about one quarter of all ocean species. Coral reefs are one of the most diversified species in the marine, even though they only covered a tiny portion of the earth. This species can reproduce both asexual and sexual. In sexual reproduction, larva is developed through egg and sperm fertilization. On the other hand in asexual reproduction, they can clone themselves through budding or fragmentation. Coral reefs, however, has been threatening due to overfishing, pollution, climate change, increasing in ocean acidity

Tourism in Australia has evolved over the years and continues to increase to this day, however it is the effects that tourists have the ability to place on the Southern Great Barrier Reef which are potentially threatening for, not only the reef of lady Elliot Island, however, the corals surrounding it. “International visitations within Australia alone reached 3.9 million visitors within the first 7 months of 2014, which was an increase of approximately 9.5%, a number which continues to rise” (Tourism Australia, 2015). However, with this increasing number, comes possible damaging effects to the surrounding reefs of Lady Elliot Island, possibly leading to the excessive damage of corals due to activities and infrastructure requirements

"Coral reefs… are fragile structures living within a narrow range of temperature, clarity, salinity and chemistry. Even a slight increase in ocean temperature, or increased CO2… can cause stresses such as bleaching… These stresses slow the rate of growth of the corrals… With some 60 percent of the world’s coral reefs now losing productivity, it’s becoming a global crisis and a scientific mystery."

Consisting of less than 1% of the world oceans, the coral reefs are ancient animals comprising of thin calcium carbonate deposits within the photic layer. Aside from its biologically diverse ecosystems, coral reefs are major source of food for millions and provides habitats and nursery areas for many marine organisms. Coral reefs also act as a physical buffer to protect the coastlines from tropical storms and erosion. In addition, many local communities rely on coral reefs to generate an income through activities such as fishing and diving. However, 75% of the coral reefs are under threat from induced impacts of humans and climate change (Burke, et al., 2011). This essay looks at the human impacts constantly being inflicted on coral reefs.

Irreversible destruction is occurring to our coral reef system. The majority of this destruction is caused by the human race. It is important that the people of the world come together to determine how to keep our precious resources in tact for future generations.

While government officials looked the other way, half of the coral has disappeared from along the length of the Great Barrier Reef. Additionally, vast areas of the reef’s coral have suffered serious degradation. It isn’t surprising that the area’s unique level of biodiversity is being threatened by the damage as well.

Pollution is a major threat to the Great Barrier Reef. Not only does it slow down coral growth and reproduction, but also lowers water quality and

Covering over 348,000 square kilometres, the reef is home to the most comprehensive coral ecosystem on the planet and is so large it can actually be observed from space (Australian government). Whilst predominantly being known for its large colourful reefs, is provides a home to a diverse array of marine creatures including 1625 different species of fish, around 600 types

Activities held in the Reef itself, such reef walking or diving and even snorkelling can cause damage to the inhabitants and structure of the reef. As people walk along the designated paths they often stray away from them or even if they continue on the path there is a chance they could accidentally tread on some coral or even an animal (e.g., fish). In snorkelling and diving, the same risks stand, however, there can be additional ones such as people purposely breaking off the coral as a souvenir and potentially destroying something that took hundreds of years to create. And due to the increasing tourism percentage, the number of healthy corals is falling.

The Kelp has a rich supply of iodine, calcium, sulfur, and silicon in their tissue. Kelp is also a dietary supplement for humans. Another plant species, The Open-Brain Coral, also contributes to the ocean floor. The Open- Brain Coral is found in major coral reefs of the world. This specific type of coral looks like a human brain that was split open. They feed after sunset, and eat many types of small creatures with tentacles. There are also various types of seaweed in many sorts of types of colors. The Red Algae is one of the old types of algae in the ocean. It contains over 7,000 species. There are various different types of animals that lie beneath the ocean floor. Then there are many different types of creatures. The Clownfish is a rare fish that reaches 4.3 inches in length. There are about 30 known species of Clownfish. All are born male, but have the ability to switch their sex, but only to become the dominant female of the group. The Giant Tube Worms reach up to 8 feet in length and 1.6 inches in diameter. They grow rapidly and quickly. They don’t have eyes, mouth, stomach, or legs, so they crawl to get around. They can survive in complete darkness, on dept of 5.280 feet. Tube Worms live in symbiosis, a mutually beneficial

Coral reef ecosystems around the globe are threatened by human interferences and climate change. This has led to many scientists conducting studies on global coral reef ecosystems to gain a better understanding of the cause and effects of coral reef damage. In both Hodgson’s (1999) and Carpenter et al.’s (2008) studies, they are aware of the continuous degradation of global coral reef ecosystems. Hodgson's study involved conducting a survey on global coral reef ecosystems to see whether human actions were affecting the health of supposed pristine Coral reefs. Carpenter et al. incorporated Hodgson’s study into a compiled study about the possible extinction of reef building corals due to climate change and anthropogenic effects. Carpenter’s

In mutualistic relationships both organisms benefit from the relationship, while in commensal relationships, only one organism benefits while the other neither benefits nor suffers. For starters, Nemo and marlin live in an anemone. Clown fish and anemones help each other survive. There's the scene in the aquarium with the little 'shrimp' who cleans Nemo up when he's put into the tank. I can't remember if they showed anything of that in Nemo but I imagine they probably at some point showed Cleaner fish, which are little fish that pick parasites off of larger

The Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven wonders of the natural world, is supposed to be larger than the Great Wall of China. The 1800-mile stretch of marine life is supposed to be the only living thing on Earth visible from space, with the world’s largest collection of corals, molluscs, rays, dolphins, and more than 1500 species of tropical fish. The reef should feature sea turtles and giant clams over 120 years old, humpback whales migrating from the Antarctic, and endangered species such as sea cows. However, just because it should doesn’t mean that it always will be. Its natural beauty has attracted tourists in the masses, but ironically, the treasured reefs are steadily perishing at their hands.

The deterioration of coral reefs is mainly linked to human activities – 88% of coral reefs are threatened through various reasons as