Corals’ Survival in Climate Change

Those invertebrate species that belong to a very large group of colourful and interesting animals generally known as Cnidaria are termed as Corals. They are found all over the oceans in all kind of water whether it is deep, shallow or tropical water. As they are directly attached to the atmosphere, climate change comes as a big threat to them.  Although the temperature tolerance varies, depending upon the type of coral species.

We all are aware that the earth is facing the consequences of global warming and it is directly or indirectly affecting the corals too. They are not ready to cop up with the rapid change in atmosphere. Corals are too sensitive to bear the ongoing negative changes in temperature. Oceans are becoming warmer day by day by greenhouse gases that have come due to various humans activities.

The frequent rise in temperature is causing coral bleaching.  The Great Barrier Reef has witnessed a big loss of corals in last few years. The carbon dioxide that we produce at first enters into the atmosphere and afterward dissolves with the sea water that is ultimately consumed by sea plants, sea animals and corals. It decreases the pH balance of the sea water and makes it more acidic. This acidification restricts the coral’s capacity of absorbing the calcium carbonate that is needed to maintain their body. Thus, it is high time to find a solution to help corals be adaptive to the climate change.

By: Anita Aishvarya

Content: www.sciencedaily.com