Answer:
By asserting that the reefs contain many plants and animals used in medicines, chemicals, or other products that humans need to lead healthy lives.
Step-by-step explanation:
This is the main way in which the author in this text shows that people depend on the continued existence of coral reefs. Coral reefs are some of the richest and most diverse ecosystems in the planet. Moreover, this diversity has helped human beings, as we have been able to benefit from them enormously. Many of the plants and animals that we have discovered in these areas have been used to develop medicines, chemicals or other products in order to make our lives happier and healthier.