Matt Newman
Some Corals May Adapt to Warmer
Seas
March
12, 2012
Summary:
Global Warming has affected more than just the temperature.
It has caused Coral Reef Bleaching. It has been discovered that coral is more
adaptable than once thought to be. Global Warming has caused coral to change
colors to a bleached white. The article that I read discussed the fact that some
of the types of coral were able to survive Global Warming which biologists
study and are areas for much marine life. Coral depends on symbiotic algae
which is responsible for giving the coral its color. When the water gets above
a certain temperature, some corals will die off although as the article talks
about, some can survive. There are more
studies taking place now to look further at the impact that high temperature
has on coral and reefs.
Opinion:
After reading this article, I learned that Global Warming is
more than just higher temperatures. I also learned that the increase in
temperatures negatively affects the environment even including coral and reefs
in the ocean. I remember when I was on vacation in the Caribbean
and went snorkeling to see the beautiful coral reefs which were filled with
colorful sea life, fish and coral. After seeing first hand how beautiful coral
is and how important it is to sea life and the eco system, I am happy to know
that biologists are studying Coral Reef Bleaching.
Questions:
1. Are there areas in the United States
2. Are there factors other than Global Warming which can
cause Coral Reef Bleaching?
3. Does the time of the year affect Coral Reef Bleaching?
This picture shows coral after it has been bleached. 
I'm not sure if there are areas in the U.S. where there is coral reef bleaching because the article gives no indication, but i would assume so since global warming is percieved to be worldwide. I can't think of anything else that would create coral reef bleaching unless something else upsets the symbiotic balance. It seems to me the color is not actually harming them, but is just an indicator that the coral is nearing the end of its life.I would think that the time of year could affect the coral because the temperature changes with the time of the year which leads me to believe that thids problem happened way before global warming, and barely has any correlation.
ReplyDeleteCoral Reef Bleaching also occurs when the coral losses its algae and its ability to grow and flourish. Apparently coral can become transparent and fragile. This can get worse because of human activity around reefs. Human activity can hinder the growth of coral reefs. Bleaching has actually has been observed since the 1800's in small numbers. Now the problem is growing. What are some other ways that we, as humans, can help prevent coral bleaching? I also found this article quite helpful! http://www.globalcoral.org/CORAL%20REEF%20BLEACHING%20AND%20SEA%20SURFACE%20TEMPERATURE.html
ReplyDeleteI think the most important point of this article is that "Global Warming" is affecting more than just temperature. Although technically, in this case, the temperature is being affected, and the raised temp is changing the coral.I believe that Global Warming has a bit to do with our pollution, but is also mostly caused by a natural temperature cycle of the Earth. However, I don't try to deny that the global temperature has been raising, though.
ReplyDeleteBack to the article...
I'm going to have to say I think I agree with Mara on this one. I've heard of bleaching in coral in elementary school, and ever since, and I don't think I've ever heard of Global Warming being connected to the issue, though, these are two separate things we should worry about, I just don't think there may be a connection between them.
Opinion/Reflection: I was always aware of coral reef bleaching, but I never knew that global warming was a factor in the bleaching. I believe that temperature has an effect on it, but I don't quite think that global warming has that much of an impact. I think seasonal weather has something to do with this bleaching of the coral, not as much human pollution. I'm not quite sure that this is a problem that we have to face. This process seems natural, and after some brief research, I have found that this bleaching is common and has been for years. If this "issue" is common, and no organisms are being negatively affected by the bleaching at a strong degree, then we should let nature run its course. I really don't think that this is something we can easily fix, either. It would take a lot of time to find and eliminate this coral bleaching. To me, it just seems like a problem that should be addressed when organisms are losing parts of their populations.
ReplyDeleteExpansion: Referring to the question about whether or not the time of year affects coral reef bleaching, I completely think that it does. Temperature is a direct effect of the bleaching, and temperature changes thorough the seasons, and in some cases in certain areas, dramatically. Whenever temperature is an asset to a change in an organism or object, etc., seasons are also a factor.