The Wisdom Segment
I
Calcium carbonate holds together colonies of coral polyps that as a whole form reefs; functioning as an underwater ecosystem. There are three kinds of reef, and most are made of stony corals. There are Barrier reefs, atolls, and fringing reefs. Atolls are reefs that are often mistaken for islands or knolls.
II
Barrier reefs tend to jut from the mainland (or an island), or grow by a lagoon or water channel. This way, they are able to protect shallow waters and the shore from the tides and the open sea. It is called a barrier because of this function which allows it to protect various animal and plant life.
III
All over the world, coral reefs are dying. The most common threats to these marine ecosystems are ocean acidification, rising temperatures, poor fishing practices, and harmful land utilization. However, air pollution can be a factor too as it may stymie the growth of coral reefs. Air pollution tends to come from coal burning and volcanic eruptions, both of which spew pollutants.
IV
When corals are damaged by bleaching, they become vulnerable to diseases. Extreme bleaching will lead to their death. Otherwise, their growth may be stunted and reproduction may be limited. The worst coral bleaching incident occurred after the El Nino phenomenon (in 1998). It was reported that 16{9afd8c633942af235f4c533bda059a0f0dfc830199f9c486362f36563a561048} of the planets reefs died due to increased water temperature.
V
Coral reefs help create a natural habitat for various types of marine life. For example, fisher folks rely on bait fish which thrive in such underwater ecosystems. Many sea mammals also feed their young with seagrass fostered by the reefs. Various parts of coral reefs have medicinal properties too.
VI
The stronger the waves and current in an area, the higher the possibility for coral reefs to grow and develop. They function similar to filters, keeping the water clean and healthy for various sea creatures. They also recycle nutrients passed to them by seaweed, phytoplankton, and coralline algae.
I
Calcium carbonate holds together colonies of coral polyps that as a whole form reefs; functioning as an underwater ecosystem. There are three kinds of reef, and most are made of stony corals. There are Barrier reefs, atolls, and fringing reefs. Atolls are reefs that are often mistaken for islands or knolls.
II
Barrier reefs tend to jut from the mainland (or an island), or grow by a lagoon or water channel. This way, they are able to protect shallow waters and the shore from the tides and the open sea. It is called a barrier because of this function which allows it to protect various animal and plant life.
III
All over the world, coral reefs are dying. The most common threats to these marine ecosystems are ocean acidification, rising temperatures, poor fishing practices, and harmful land utilization. However, air pollution can be a factor too as it may stymie the growth of coral reefs. Air pollution tends to come from coal burning and volcanic eruptions, both of which spew pollutants.
IV
When corals are damaged by bleaching, they become vulnerable to diseases. Extreme bleaching will lead to their death. Otherwise, their growth may be stunted and reproduction may be limited. The worst coral bleaching incident occurred after the El Nino phenomenon (in 1998). It was reported that 16{9afd8c633942af235f4c533bda059a0f0dfc830199f9c486362f36563a561048} of the planets reefs died due to increased water temperature.
V
Coral reefs help create a natural habitat for various types of marine life. For example, fisher folks rely on bait fish which thrive in such underwater ecosystems. Many sea mammals also feed their young with seagrass fostered by the reefs. Various parts of coral reefs have medicinal properties too.
VI
The stronger the waves and current in an area, the higher the possibility for coral reefs to grow and develop. They function similar to filters, keeping the water clean and healthy for various sea creatures. They also recycle nutrients passed to them by seaweed, phytoplankton, and coralline algae.
