Final answer:
Coral reefs are important to protect because they provide a habitat for marine species, contribute to the health of ocean ecosystems, and have economic value as tourist destinations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Coral reefs are important to protect because they provide a habitat for a wide variety of marine species. When a coral reef dies, species diversity decreases as animals lose their food and shelter. Coral reefs also have economic value as tourist destinations.
Furthermore, coral reefs contribute to the health of the ocean ecosystems. They are home to about 25% of all marine species and play a crucial role in the marine food chain. Protecting coral reefs helps to maintain the balance of the ocean ecosystem and ensure the survival of many marine organisms.
Various factors, such as climate change, oceanic acidification, and water pollution, pose threats to coral reefs. Human activities, such as agricultural runoff and pollution, contribute to the degradation of coral reefs.