Corals that are easily damaged and breakable may be suffering from the effects of overfishing, sediment runoff, agricultural chemicals, coral bleaching due to rising temperatures, and ocean acidification from increased CO2, which interferes with calcification.
If a scientist finds corals that are easily damaged and breakable, it could be predicted that these symptoms are due to several factors involving both climate change and human activities. Overfishing, sediment runoff, and agricultural chemicals increase due to coastal population growth and can lead to murky waters and unchecked coral-eating predator species. Additionally, rising global temperatures can cause coral bleaching, as the corals expel their symbiotic algae due to stress from the warmth. This not only affects the coral's color and structure but also diminishes its productivity and biodiversity.
Ocean acidification is another significant phenomenon caused by the uptake of increased CO₂, which changes the pH of water and interferes with the calcification process essential for coral growth. The global threat to coral reefs is exacerbated by the combination of human-induced environmental changes and the effects of global warming, making coral conservation a critical area of concern.