IDK coral reefs Flashcards
What conditions do they require to survive?
Shallow water for photsynthesis, clear water, salt water, warm water 23-25 degrees, clean water, sun
Outline the global distribution of coral reefs
They are found in 100 countries around the world, found within 30 degrees north and south of the equator. Found in the Pacific, Indian ocean, caribbean sea, red sea and persian gulf.
Why are coral reefs important?
Biodiversity- over 25% of all marine fish
Natural coastal protection- Reduce the power of waves which attack the coast
Fishing- Local people can fish both for themselves and commercially providing food and jobs.
Medicine- Algae and sponges are used in medicine, some have been researched for cancer
Tourism- People come from all over the world to see them
Food chains- provide food for thousands of other animals
How is climate change posing a threat to coral reefs?
IS causing higher temperatures which causes the loss of algae in the corals which causes coral bleaching.
When may reefs become extinct?
2030
How much more acidic have oceans become since the industrial revolution?
30%
How does ocean acidification threaten coral reefs?
Can limit coral growth, corrodes pre existing skeletons. By 2080 otherwise healthy reefs will be eroding more quickly than they can rebuild.
How does acidification threaten animals that live in coral reefs?
Shelled animals will have more trouble building their shells, this means they will have a greater chance of being crushed or eaten, also hard to cling to rocks, hard to breathe in the acidic ocean.
How does acidification affect fish?
It alters the PH of fish blood. This means that the fish has to use energy to bring its body back to normal taking energy away from digestion, swimming and reproduction.
