distinguishing it from land-based rocks. What then, could’ve formed these reef rocks if they are so different looking? Chances are, they were formed by coral, most likely of the genus Acropora. The two species of Acropora corals that reside in Caribbean reefs are Acropora Palmata (elkhorn coral) and Acropora Cervicornis (staghorn coral).. Both corals are extremely important residents of the Caribbean reef, performing many functions such as reef-building. Their highly-structured biology permits them
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
oxybenzone, on coral health. The properties of this chemical impede coral reproduction through endocrine disruption and planulae dissolution as well as promote viral infections in the symbiotic dinoflagellate found in coral. The effects of oxybenzone potentially boost coral bleaching and harm population dynamics, however before concluding what level of aggression is needed to combat oxybenzone, additional research is needed to improve our overall understanding of its impacts on specific coral species and
The small island country of Maldives is being affected by sea level rises due to climate change. Being half a meter from sea level makes the Maldives a vulnerable country to climate change (Gwynne). They are low-lying countries who are slowly being affected by rising sea-levels. (Jaschik). Too much water coming into the shore at once is bringing the Maldives underwater. If the sea level rises to 1 m then there will be 79% less chance of getting groundwater (Iftikhar). Odd rainfall patterns are causing
Massive Pacific-Wide Survey Links Human Presence with Coral Reef Destruction: Even Tiny Human Presence Can Cause 78% Drop in Aquatic Life A large-scale survey of coral reefs at nearly 2,000 sites across some 38 different inhabited and uninhabited Pacific islands has confirmed that even a tiny human presence on an island can cause a massive drop—up to 78%—in the amount of reef fish just offshore. The study, published online in the journal PLOS ONE, is the first to provide a clear estimate of human
Australia has a rich hold in the world’s environment due to its diverse ecosystems and one of its biggest holds is through the Great Barrier Reef. The coral reefs here have a significant role by protecting shores from waves and storms, provide food and medicine, and help the economy though tourism. The reef is known for its great beauty and sustainability of life, but in recent years that opinion may change. Many environmental factors are causing great distress on the reef and its marine life, which
fish and plants, which affects the cycle of marine life. The limiting of waste and recycling recyclable matter is very important because it will limit the amount of waste that pollutes the water. Polyps make up the living portion of corals with strong skeletons. The corals extract calcium from the seawater and combine it with calcium carbonate to make limestone structures that create the reef. Ocean acidification is another contributor to the killing of species. This process is when the ocean absorbs
Some people consider coral reefs the most beautiful places on earth. With the plants and animals progressing all around the beautiful corals, it is spectacular. Located on the northeast coast of Australia, there lies a place just like this. This is the Great Barrier Reef. These coral reefs are called, “the rainforest of the ocean,” because it supports a huge diversity of life. Coral reefs are more than just beauty, they are a home to fish and other creatures. They protect humans against floods and
is the tropical Great Keppel Island, it is a perfect place for anyone from single travellers to families. Easy to access from the shores of Rockhampton, Great Keppel Island can be reached by air as well as by sea and is waiting to be explored. The marvellous views and crystal clear waters of Great Keppel are breathtaking. A Heritage listed area and a national park, the tropical beaches will stun any visitor. Walk along the shoreline and find any array of shells, coral, native wildlife and fresh coconuts
Scleractinian corals are the major reef building organisms and form the reef frame work 3 that serves as a habitat for numerous life forms (Owen et al., 2012). Existence of corals is 4 threatened by numerous factors generated by climate change and anthropogenic activities. The 5 “Climate change” exerts its impacts through variety of processes including warming seas, ocean 6 acidification, diseases, altered currents, strong storms and rising sea-levels. Coral diseases linked 7 to climate change are