Coral reefs around the world face growing danger from a changing climate, on top of the historic threats from local pollution and habitat destruction. Comment. How does a coral reef help or benefit an ecosystem?

Answer: A coral reef is an underwater ecosystem characterized by reef-building corals. Reefs are formed of colonies of coral polyps held together by calcium carbonate. They are often called “rainforests of the sea”, shallow coral reefs form some of Earth’s most diverse ecosystems.

Coral reefs face many threats from local sources, including:

  • Physical damage or destruction from coastal development, dredging, quarrying, destructive fishing practices and gear, boat anchors and groundings, and recreationalmisuse (touching or removing corals).
  • Sedimentation from coastal development, urban stormwater runoff, forestry, and agriculture. Sediment deposited onto reefs can smother corals and interfere with their ability to ....

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