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PASSAGE 25

Coral reefs are the most diverse of all marine ecosystems. They are full of life, with perhaps one

quarter of all ocean species depending on reefs for food and shelter. This is a remarkable statistic when

you consider that reefs cover just a tiny fraction of the earth’s surface and less than two per cent of the

ocean bottom. Because they are so diverse, coral reefs are often called the rainforests of the ocean. Coral

reefs are very important to people. They even provide seventy per cent of the food demands for some

marine species, protection of shorelines, jobs based on tourism (nine out of twelve activities for tourists in

Nha Trang, for example, involve the coral reefs), and even medicines.

Unfortunately, climate change is the greatest global threat to coral reef ecosystems. Scientific evidence

now clearly indicates that the Earth’s atmosphere and ocean are warming, and that these changes are

primarily due to greenhouse gases derived from human activities.

As temperatures rise, mass coral bleaching events and infectious disease outbreaks are becoming more

frequent. Additionally, carbon dioxide absorbed into the ocean from the atmosphere has already begun to

reduce to calcification rates in reef- building and reef- associated organisms by altering seawater

chemistry through decrease in PH. This process is called ocean acidification.

Climate change will affect coral reef ecosystems, through sea level rise, changes to the frequency and

intensity of tropical storms, and altered ocean circulation patterns. When combined, all of these impacts

dramatically after ecosystem function, as well as the goods and services coral reef ecosystems provide to

people around the globe.

There are so many things you can do to ensure that you are environmentally conscious when you visit

coral reefs or coastal areas. These include things such as hiring local guides to support the economy,

removing all trash from an area, never touching or harassing wildlife in reef areas, and avoiding dropping

your boat anchor or chain nearby a coral reef.

Finally, stay informed and spread the word! Educate yourself about why healthy coral reefs are

valuable to the people, fish, plants, and animals that depend on them. Your excitement will help others get

involved.

(Source: Adapted from Study Skills: Managing Your Learning — NUI Galway)

Question 1. Though the coverage of coral reefs on the sea bed is

, its vital role is undeniable.

A. remarkable

B. small

C. diverse

D. huge

Question 2.

of all the ocean species find food and home in the coral reefs.

A. Two per cent

B. Seventy per cent

C. Twenty- five per cent D. Nine per cent

Question 3. Carbon dioxide from the atmosphere directly caused

.

A. infectious disease outbreaks

B. reef- building

C. sea level rise

D. ocean acidification

Question 4. Which of the following statement is NOT true?

A. Coral reefs can be compared to rainforests due to its diversity.

B. The effects of global warming are only on the ecosystems themselves.

C. You can help the coral reefs by educating not only yourself but people around you.

D. Human activities which cause greenhouse gases are major reasons for the climate change.

Question 5. The word “conscious” in paragraph 5 is closest in meaning to

.