What Are Coral Reefs And What's Their Purpose?

Summary

Coral reefs, often referred to as the rainforests of the sea, are vital ecosystems supporting 25% of all ocean life. These living structures, built by tiny polyps, provide shelter, food, and carbon dioxide regulation. However, coral reefs face major threats from climate change, ocean acidification, and human activity. With over half of the Caribbean's coral lost since 1970, it's critical to protect these species. The parrotfish may hold a key to coral survival. By understanding the significance of coral reefs, we can take steps to preserve them for future generations.

Takeaways

• 😀 Coral reefs are often called the 'rainforests of the sea' due to their biodiversity and importance.
• 😀 Coral reefs are made up of tiny living polyps, which build calcium carbonate skeletons that form the reef structure.
• 😀 Polyps are related to jellyfish and sea anemones and are stationary, living their entire lives anchored in one place.
• 😀 The colors of coral come from symbiotic algae living inside the polyps.
• 😀 Coral reefs cover just 0.1% of the ocean but support 25% of all marine life.
• 😀 Coral reefs have existed for around 400 million years, with polyps forming various shapes like tables, pillars, and brain coral.
• 😀 Coral reefs are home to millions of species, many of which depend on reefs for survival.
• 😀 Coral reefs help control ocean CO2 levels by trapping carbon in their calcium carbonate skeletons.
• 😀 Coral reefs act as natural buffers, protecting coastal areas from storms, flooding, and erosion.
• 😀 Coral reefs are under threat from global warming, ocean acidification, ecotourism, and overfishing.
• 😀 Coral bleaching occurs when stressed coral expels its algae, turning white and potentially dying, signaling the fragility of coral ecosystems.

Q & A

What are coral reefs often compared to in the video?

Coral reefs are compared to rainforests, as both are incredibly biodiverse and face significant destruction.

Why are coral reefs considered 'living' even though their skeletons are not alive?

Coral reefs are considered living because the polyps, which are tiny living organisms, reside inside the calcium carbonate skeletons and live their entire lives there, similar to a turtle in a shell.

How do coral polyps create the structures of a coral reef?

Coral polyps secrete calcium carbonate, which forms protective skeletons. As they grow and die, more coral polyps grow on top of them, building up over millions of years to create large coral reefs.

What role do symbiotic algae play in coral reefs?

Symbiotic algae live inside coral polyps, giving them their vibrant colors. These algae contribute to the coral's energy by photosynthesizing and providing nutrients to the polyps.

What percentage of ocean life depends on coral reefs?

Coral reefs support 25 percent of all ocean life, despite occupying only 0.1 percent of the ocean's surface area.

How do coral reefs help control carbon dioxide levels in the ocean?

Coral reefs absorb carbon dioxide from the water and use it to build their calcium carbonate skeletons, helping to trap carbon and prevent it from affecting the environment.

Why are coral reefs important for protecting shorelines?

Coral reefs act as natural barriers, helping to buffer the shore against waves, storms, and floods. Their structure helps protect coastal areas from erosion and property damage.

What is causing the decline of coral reefs today?

Coral reefs are being threatened by global warming, climate change, ocean acidification, ecotourism, and commercial overfishing, all of which stress the coral and can lead to their death.

What happens when coral is stressed?

When coral is stressed, it expels its symbiotic algae, turning white in a process called coral bleaching. Without the algae, the coral can die.

How has the coral population changed over the past several decades?

A study has shown that approximately one-sixth of the world's coral remains today, with the Caribbean having lost 50 percent of its coral since 1970.

How might parrotfish help in coral conservation?

Parrotfish contribute to coral reef health by grazing on algae that would otherwise overgrow and suffocate coral. Protecting parrotfish populations is seen as a potential solution to help coral reefs thrive.