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What is coral bleaching?

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Coral bleaching is a phenomenon where corals lose their symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) due to stress factors like rising water temperatures, leading to a loss of color and essential nutrients.

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What are the primary causes of coral bleaching?

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The primary causes of coral bleaching include rising sea temperatures, pollution, overexposure to sunlight, and changes in water chemistry.

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How does climate change affect coral reefs?

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Climate change leads to warmer ocean temperatures, which can cause coral bleaching and increase the frequency of severe weather events that damage coral reefs.

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What role do symbiotic algae play in coral health?

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Symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) provide corals with nutrients through photosynthesis and give them their color. They are essential for coral growth and health.

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What is the impact of coral bleaching on marine ecosystems?

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Coral bleaching weakens coral reefs, leading to loss of habitat for marine species, reduced biodiversity, and disruption of the entire marine ecosystem.

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How does overfishing contribute to coral reef decline?

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Overfishing removes key species that maintain the balance of the reef ecosystem, leading to increased algae growth and reduced coral health.

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What is the significance of the Great Barrier Reef?

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The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world, known for its biodiversity and as a vital ecosystem that supports marine life.

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What are some human activities that threaten coral reefs?

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Human activities threatening coral reefs include coastal development, pollution, overfishing, and climate change.

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What is the relationship between ocean temperature and coral health?

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Coral health is highly sensitive to ocean temperature; even slight increases can lead to stress and coral bleaching.

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What evidence supports the claim that climate change is a threat to coral ecosystems?

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Research shows that human-caused climate change raises ocean temperatures, leading to increased coral bleaching events.