Question

What elements are threatening the Great Barrier Reef, and how is the reef in danger as a result

Please answer as soon as possible. thank you​

Answer 1

Multiple elements threaten the Great Barrier Reef. The most hazardous is climate change, which results in warmer ocean waters. Higher water temperatures cause coral bleaching, which threatens coral reefs around the world. Coral bleaching occurs when the coral becomes stressed and rejects the algae that provide it with nutrients. Without the algae, the coral starves, slowly loses color, and ends up in a weakened state.

Tourism is also a danger to the reef. The many tourists who visit the area might accidently damage the reef when swimming near or over the coral. Many tourists also purposefully remove parts of the reef. Because coral takes so long to grow, damage can only be repaired slowly.

Finally, the crown-of-thorns starfish is also a potential hazard to the Great Barrier Reef. The starfish preys on coral, latching onto a piece of the reef and killing an area of coral the size of the starfish in just one day before moving on to another area. Though these starfish are native to the reef habitat, serious outbreaks of this species have been noted since the 1960s.

Step-by-step explanation:

Exact answer from plato/edmentum

Answer 2

The Reef is highly vulnerable. In the past three decades, it has lost half its coral cover, pollution has caused deadly starfish outbreaks, and global warming has produced horrific coral bleaching. Coastal development also looms as a major threat.