Coral Reefs

Coral reefs are an essential aspect to marine life. “They protect coastlines from erosion by acting as a shield against waves, storms, and floods” (Take Part, n.d.). They also support more than a quarter of all marine life. Some scientists say that there may be 1-8 million undiscovered species of organisms living in the coral. This crucial section of the ocean was first exposed 500 million years ago during the Cambrian period. “It started when free-swimming coral larvae attached to flooded rocks or other hard surfaces. As the coral grows, the reefs develop their own structure such as fringing, barrier or atoll.” (NOAA National Ocean Service, 2008, March 25) Unfortunately, coral reefs had many extinction events and never lasted very long. After the Cambrian period ended, due to environmental changes, much of the coral died. Another extinction period was known as the Ordovician-Silurian period, which took place 435 million years ago. This period was attributable to drifting landmasses and ice ages, and it killed up to 60% of all coral reefs. This proves how precious our coral reefs are, and now humans of the modern day are carelessly destroying them. Climate changes are killing the algae that the reefs thrive off of. Overfishing, pollution, and coastal development are trashing reefs causing them to lose their color and become more susceptible to diseases. Over 1/5 of coral reefs have been lost. It will remain this way until we step up and start becoming more concerned for their health. Coral reefs are not only beautiful and filled with vibrant colors, but they also care for much of ocean life. If we care for these reefs, they can continue to do what they do best, serve our oceans.

References:

Coral Reef. (n.d.). Retrieved September 23, 2014, from EcoKids website: http://www.ecokids.ca/pub/eco_info/topics/oceans/coral_reefs.cfm

Coral Reef Project. (2010). Retrieved September 23, 2014, from Global Reef Project website: http://www.globalreefproject.com/coral-reef-history.php

Edwards, R. (2014, September 6). Jack the Ripper unmasked: How amateur sleuth used DNA breakthrough to identify Britain's most notorious criminal 126 years after string of terrible murders. Daily Mail. Retrieved from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2746321/Jack-Ripper-unmasked-How-amateur-sleuth-used-DNA-breakthrough-identify-Britains-notorious-criminal-126-years-string-terrible-murders.html

NOAA National Ocean Service. (2008, March 25). How do coral reefs form? Retrieved September 23, 2014, from http://oceanservice.noaa.gov

Take Part. (n.d.). Oceans: Endangered Coral. Retrieved September 23, 2014, from Disney Nature Oceans website: http://www.takepart.com/oceans/coral