Coral reefs.

Authors Avatar

Introduction

Coral reefs are some of the oldest ecosystems on earth, they are built by a variety of coral and other species that cover skeletons of calcium carbonate that build up over time. Corals are live animals made up of a group of polyps. Each polyp makes a skeleton for protection and support. It then joins its skeleton to those of the polyps around it. So, because of this, the individual skeletons of hundreds of coral polyps live as one coral settlement. Polyps are always creating new skeletons at their bottom and sides. As this happens they expand upwards and outwards from the coral centre. They grow on top of the old skeletons, which have died. New polyps can be created. So because of this happening, most of the structure of a single group of coral and of the larger coral reef comprised of many coral colonies, is made up of dead skeleton material. A live, healthy coral has only a thin layer of living material that lives on its surface. Because they depend on light, coral reefs require clear water for growth and can be severely damaged by sediment or other factors that reduce water clarity or quality. Other types of corals that do not require warm water or sunlight are found in deep water, providing important habitats for commercial, recreational and other species. Coral reefs have existed on earth for about 450 million years. Coral reefs can grow to be massive structures extending over wide areas of shallow tropical and subtropical seas. In this case the coral reef is found in Palau, which is located north of Papua New Guinea.

Join now!

Threats to the Reef

Coral reefs are deteriorating. Symptoms include:

  • A loss of hard corals
  • Increase in algae
  • A dramatic increase in bleaching episodes and disease outbreaks

This is because of…

  • Population increases
  • Shoreline development
  • Increased sediments in water
  • Trampling by tourists and divers
  • Ship groundings
  • Pollution
  • Over fishing
  • Fishing with poisons and explosives could destroy habitats


Why is coral so important for the environment & why does it need protecting?

Besides their environmental value, coral reefs are a big money maker for the near by towns, ...

This is a preview of the whole essay