Wednesday, November 20

Tag: Ecology

Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is being ‘transformed’ due to repeated coral bleaching
Science

Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is being ‘transformed’ due to repeated coral bleaching

The magnificent Great Barrier Reef, Australia's national treasure, is experiencing a dramatic transformation due to the frequent occurrence of coral bleaching incidents. The escalating water temperatures, largely owing to climate change, have been identified as the primary culprit. Marine biologists have noted that the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world's most biodiverse ecosystems, is undergoing a significant shift. Rather than complete obliteration of the reefs, the ecosystem is transitioning into a new state, indicative of the resilience of nature. Terry Hughes, a prominent marine biologist, posits, "It's not about reefs dying or disappearing; it's about reef ecosystems transforming into a new configuration." The structural integrity and three-dimensional habitat provided by the ...