Environmental Essay
Coral Bleaching
A severe problem that we face today, in our oceans, is coral bleaching. Due to climate change and global warming- caused by humans- coral bleaching has become more frequently noticed throughout the world and has a strong environmental impact. Coral is a very dependent organism that relies on the marine algae living beneath its pores. This algae not only gives these exotic species their flamboyant colors, but also provides food for them as well. The small algae thriving in the coral- zooxanthalle produces energy through photosynthesis that the coral absorbs. This symbiotic relationship of mutualism allows these two organisms to benefit from each other; the coral serves as a host for the algae, sustaining it with shelter and the algae offers a source of food, nutrients, and vibrant appeal of hue. However, the dilemma they face is due to the sudden changes in the environment. Global warming has been the source of high sea temperatures, creating exponential growth in stress levels of both the coral and the algae. Although the coral is less influenced, the algae is devastatingly impacted. Because this bacteria is small and unaccustomed to the current change in its habitat, its more vulnerable to harsh conditions and is unable to adapt in such short notice. Consequently, this chain of events results in the death of drastic numbers of algae. Despite its size, it plays a major role in the food chain. Unfortunately, for the coral, a very dependent species, it needs the algae to survive. When all the algae dies, the coral loses its vigorous colors and sustainability to nourish itself, becoming pale in complexion and eventually dying from starvation. This is the process of coral bleaching. Massive amounts of coral and algae populations are dwindling throughout the world in places such as the Indian Ocean and the Great Barrier Reef. Obviously, coral bleaching is a serious problem-not only to the possibility of becoming a threatened species, but also to the community of the rest of marine life. The algae and coral provide food and assets for other small aquatic organisms such as fish, seahorses, and other plants that rely on these species. With the decline of those valuable entities, every biotic factor and abiotic factor in that ecosystem is being affected. From the food web system to the cleanliness of the water, everything is negatively altered. Competition upraises from lack of prey and the natural order of the entire biosphere collapses, as well as the decrease in water quality, biodiversity, and amount of oxygen. As you can see, without one minute organism, everything else fails, all due to the actions.
REFERENCE: http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/outlook-for-the-reef/climate-change/what-does-this-mean-forspecies/corals/what-is-coral-bleaching
