Coral Reefs And Bleaching Phenomenon Essay -- essays research papers

Imagine yourself observing oneness of the most diverse ecosystems on earth. Thousands of species of plants and animals provide a dizzying array of dissimulation and motion. Massive structures provide a canopy that auspicess hundreds of exotic species in a myriad of microclimates. As land-based observers, we almost automatically assume that this is a explanation of the rich ecosystem of a tropical rainforest. However, if we take ourselves off the safety of wry land and immerse ourselves in the maritime, we will find an equally propellant environment in the depths of our areas red chromatic reefs. As a Zoology major, I quickly decided to explore this biological cistron of the ocean environment. In the following paper, I will provide a general overview of precious coral reefs and examine the alarming depletion of coral and their ecological symbionts in a process known as coral bleaching.As mentioned earlier, coral reefs are among the most diverse and productive of all commu nities on Earth. They are excessively the largest biological structures on the planet. The Great Barrier Reef, along the east coast of Australia, covers over 2000 kilometers and is said to be visible from the moon (Goreau, 1987). time the size of coral reefs can be enormous, their real impact is on a much smaller scale. Reefs function as food and shelter for fish and marine invertebrates. While the coral itself is an animal, through a dependent relationship with the unicellular algae, coral becomes the primary producer in its ocean ecosystem (Richmond 1993). The reefs are formed by calcium carbonate deposits produced by the coral polyps. According to the legendary Cousteau, in his book The Ocean World, tube worms and mollusks besides donate their hard skeletons to the architecture of the growing reef (174). biologically vigorous compounds are also produced by reef dwelling organisms and posses antimicrobial and antiviral agent properties (Van Alstyne 1988). In fact, coral pro duces a natural sunscreen that is currently marketed and also holds promise in generating chemicals for AIDS and cancer research. In 1995, researchers mimicked the structural components of coral and now use the patented super hard compound to emend shattered human bones (Alderage 1995). Further more, coral reefs are naturally extremely productive fishing grounds. In fact, healthy reefs produce up to 10-100 times more yield per unit a... ...pear, the fate of one of the worlds most diverse ecosystem remains to be seen.BibliographyAlderage, Susan. April 1995. precious coral replacing for Human Bones. Focus Magazine. P45(46)Brown, B.E., Odgen, J.C. 1993. Coral Bleaching. Scientific American, 26964-70Cohen, Anne L. Lobel, Phillip S. Oct. 1997. Coral Bleaching on the Johnston Atoll. The Biological Bulletin. V193 n2. P276(4). Coral Color. November 1997. Discover Magazine-Current Clips. P10Cousteau, J. Y. 1985. The Ocean World. Harry N. Abrams, Inc., New York, NY, pp. 174-175. Goreau, T homas. August 1987. Coral and Coral Parks. Scientific American. V11334-36Luoma, Jon R. Nov. 1996. Reef Madness Audubon. V98 n6. P24(3).Richmond, R. H. 1993. Coral Reefs Present problems and afterlife Concerns Resulting form Athropogenic Disturbence. American Zoologist. V33 P524-536.Van Alstyne, K. L. and V. J. Paul. 1988. The Role of Secondary Metabolites in shipboard soldier Ecological Interactions. Proceedings of the 6th International Coral Reef Symposium, Australia, Vol. 1. Wilkinson, C. R. 1987. Interocean Differences in Size and Nutrition of Coral Reef Sponge Populations. Science, Vol. 236 P1654-1657.