Question

Climate change can have a large impact on coral reefs. How does climate change impact coral?

Climate change decreases the pH of seawater, which makes it harder for coral to grow.
Climate change lowers the temperature of seawater, which interferes with coral's symbiotic relationship with algae.
Climate change keeps pH levels of seawater stable, which allows coral to grow rapidly.
Climate change raises the temperature of seawater, which interferes with coral's symbiotic relationship with algae.

Answer 1

Climate change causes ocean temperatures to rise, leading to coral bleaching, and increases CO₂ levels, which acidifies the ocean and hinders coral growth. These combined effects threaten marine biodiversity and coastal economies.

Step-by-step explanation:

Climate change impacts coral reefs primarily through ocean water temperature rise and increased ocean acidity. Warmer seawater temperatures lead to coral bleaching, where corals expel their symbiotic algae, disrupting their crucial relationship. Without these algae, corals lose their color and, more importantly, their main source of sustenance, which can lead to their death if prolonged. Concurrently, increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere dissolves in seawater, reducing the pH and contributing to a more acidic environment. This acidity hinders corals' ability to perform calcification, which is essential for them to build their calcium carbonate structures. The combined effect of temperature increase and ocean acidification results in weakened coral reefs, reducing biodiversity and posing risks to marine life dependent on these ecosystems.

Rising CO₂ levels not only warm the ocean but also change the seawater chemistry, making it more difficult for coral to grow. As a result of these changes, animals that depend on coral reefs for food and shelter are also in decline, which can alter entire marine ecosystems and affect coastal economies that rely on tourism.

Answer 2

The climate change impacts a coral in many different ways. But the main reason that could happen is if the climate were a coral lives is too cold and it begans to die. Corals have feelings toi, when they get a sense that they are going to die they try to leave but if they can't they will just die.