Question

Which statement about coral reefs is FALSE?

Coral reefs help protect shorelines from storms.
Most coral reefs are found between 30 degrees north latitude and 30 degrees south latitude.
Coastal development does not affect coral reefs because they develop far away from the shore.
Overfishing is a major cause of coral reef destruction.
Coral reefs serve as a source of current and potential medicines.

Answer 1

Coastal development does affect coral reefs, unlike the other statements.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that is FALSE regarding coral reefs is: Coastal development does not affect coral reefs because they develop far away from the shore.

Coastal development, such as construction and pollution, can have a negative impact on coral reefs. Sedimentation from coastal development can smother coral polyps and limit their access to sunlight. Runoff from land can also introduce pollutants that can harm the delicate balance of a coral reef ecosystem.

Therefore, it is important to minimize coastal development and implement measures to protect coral reefs from the negative impacts of human activities.

Learn more about Coral reefs