Coral Reef Research Paper

This is a piece of expository writing about coral reefs. I taught it fitting to write on coral reefs because they are so important and are getting destroyed every day. Coral reefs are underwater structures made from calcium carbonate secreted by corals. Coral reefs are colonies of tiny animals found in marine waters that contain few nutrients. Most coral reefs are built from stony corals, which in turn consist of polyps that cluster in groups. Living coral reefs are the foundation for many marine species, and thus a crucial support for human life. The coral reef ecosystem is an intricate and diverse collection of species that interact with each other and the physical environment. Coral reefs are the homes of many species including crabs, shrimp,
Most importantly, they provide protection and shelter and feeding grounds for many different species of animal and plants. Without coral reefs, fishes are left homeless with nowhere to live and no where to have their babies. Not only do these fish increase the diversity of our world, but also reef fish and mollusks feed between 30 and 40 million people every year. They also make beautiful pets and the money made by catching and selling these animals provides many people with an income so that they can feed their families. And coral are very important in controlling how much carbon dioxide is in the ocean water. coral polyp turns carbon dioxide in the water into a limestone shell. Without coral, the amount of carbon dioxide in the water would rise dramatically and that would affect all living things on Earth. In addition, coral reefs are very important because they protect coasts from strong currents and waves by slowing down the water before it gets to the shore. That is why they are called barrier reefs. They provide a barrier between the ocean and the shore and yields compounds important in the development of new medicines Already coral reef organisms are being used in treatments for diseases like cancer and HIV. Coral reefs make important contributions to local economies because they attract millions of tourists every year to enjoy beaches, water sports, and other
Coral bleaching slows the growth and reproduction of corals. Bleaching occurs when environmental conditions no longer support the symbiotic relationship with photosynthetic algae, or zooxanthellae, found in coral polyps. When the colored algae leave the coral, the coral loses its color (bleaches) and its source of food. Hurricanes and storms are quickly destroying large portions of many coral reefs. Other sea animals such as fish, snails, worms, and starfish are eating many areas of the reefs. Global warming is another way we are harming coral reefs. Global warming is the warming of the surface of the earth or when the earth’s temperature rises to a temperature that is not normal. Oceans cover over 70% of the land on earth. This means there is a lot of heat created by global warming that is stored in the oceans. This causes the water to evaporate, which leaves the coral above the water. The coral will not be able to breathe above the water and will eventually die. Fishermen may also use spear guns, which can damage the coral, commercial poisons, and sometimes dynamite for fishing. Overfishing in the coral reef area can cause damage to food chains around the reefs