Question

Coral reefs are one of the (a) ___________ sensitive ecosystems of all. A large number of reefs all (b) ________ the world are on the brink of extinction. (c) __________ major factor for the destruction of coral reefs (d) ____________ global warming due to increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Studies (e) __________ that even one degree C rise above normal temperature (f) ___________ result in large-scale destruction. (a) ________ (i) much (ii) most (iii) more (iv) many (b) _______ (i) about (ii) in (iii) of (iv) over (c) _______ (i) A (ii) An (iii) The (iv) These (d) ______ (i) is (ii) are (iii) has been (iv) was (e) ______ (i) has shown (ii) show (iii) shows (iv) have shown (f) ______ (i) can (ii) could (iii) may (iv) might

Answer 1

Coral reefs are highly sensitive ecosystems, with studies showing that even a slight increase in average global temperature fueled by increased carbon dioxide can lead to their substantial destruction. Coral reefs, home to a quarter of marine species, are particularly vulnerable to climate change, ocean warming, acidification, and human-induced pollution.

Step-by-step explanation:

Coral reefs are among the (a) most sensitive ecosystems worldwide. Numerous reefs (b) around the globe are nearing extinction. (c) A principal contributor to the destruction of coral reefs (d) is globally increased carbon dioxide levels, leading to increased global temperatures. This is supported by studies that have (e) shown that even a single degree Celsius increase in average temperature (f) can lead to significant destruction of these delicate ecosystems.

For context, it is important to bear in mind that coral reefs serve as a home to about a quarter of all marine species. They are particularly vulnerable to climate change, ocean warming, and water pollution. All these factors alter the seawater's composition, reducing dissolved oxygen levels critical for aquatic life, and accelerating ocean acidification due to increased carbon dioxide. This acidification is particularly detrimental to corals whose exoskeletons, made up of calcium carbonate, are soluble in acid solutions. Human activities, such as pollution from agricultural runoff, exacerbate these environmental changes, further threatening the health and survival of the coral reefs.

Learn more about Coral Reef Destruction