Q. Coral is a delicate organism.
Describe how healthy coral functions and its role in creating a healthy
marine ecosystem. Then, explain the causes of coral bleaching and how this phenomenon affects
that same marine ecosystem. Include specific examples of failed food webs, as well as other aspects
of the ecosystem which suffer due to coral bleaching.
A:
1. A coral reef, is a ridge of lime stone whose upper surface is just below the sea surface and it
is exposed at low tides. Coral reefs, just like any other ecosystem on our planet, rely on a
variety of biotic and abiotic factors to keep them healthy and functional. Without stable
temperature, pH, light/dark cycles, water flow, salinity, and chemical composition of sea
water, coral reefs could not exist, but without a stable trophic structure, coral reefs could not
survive. That mean it have definite ecosystem and different levels of the food chain and
illustrates the transfer of energy from one level to the next in the form of a pyramid. Many
producers, consumer, decomposer constitute the coral life system.
Corals are composed of thin plates, or layers, of calcium carbonate secreted over time by
hundreds of soft bodied animals called coral polyps. Each polyp lives in a symbiotic
relationship with a host algae(zooxanthellae) that gives the coral its colour. Zooxanthellae
take in carbon dioxide, process it through photosynthesis, and give off oxygen and other
important nutrients that are then used by the host.
Mangrove forests and seagrass beds are two of the most important areas of the greater coral
reef ecosystem.
Mangrove forest- their root system helps in provide nursery, breeding, and feeding grounds
for invertebrates, fish, birds, and other marine life. Many of the animals raised in mangroves
migrate to coral reefs for food, spawning and habitat.
Seagrass beds- They form the foundation of many food webs, providing nutrients for
everything from sea urchins and snails to sea turtles and manatees. Seagrass also provides
protection and shelter for commercially valuable species such as stone crabs, snappers and
lobsters. they filter the water column, prevent seabed erosion, and release oxygen essential
for most marine life.
2. coral bleaching- when corals lose their vibrant colours and turn white.
Cause- climate change= change in water temperature—as little as 20F, that drive out algae to
make it bleach. Other reasons are- extremely low tides, pollution, or too much sunlight.
Effect- As reef ecosystems collapse, already at-risk marine species may face extinction.
Bleaching affects the survival, shelter, spawning grounds, and protection from predators and
support organisms at the base of ocean food.
Reef tourism affects that cause financial loss. Natural wall that absorbs the force of waves
and storm will be lost and coastal communities face danger in livelihood.
