Corals, the foundation of ocean biodiversity, are threatened by climate change. But new research suggests that these organisms might be more resilient than previously thought.
Corals, the foundation of ocean biodiversity, are threatened by climate change. But new research suggests that these organisms might be more resilient than previously thought.
In a study published August 27 in Science Advances, a CU Boulder researcher showed that despite a gradual increase in ocean acidity levels over the past 200 years, some corals seem to be able to adjust and continue to generate their hard, stony skeleton structures.
“We found that corals were able to regulate the mechanism they use to build and maintain their skeletons despite the ocean becoming more acidic,” said Jessica Hankins, the paper’s first author and a PhD student in the Department of Geological Sciences. “It’s an unexpected and hopeful signal; however, we need more long-term data to know what it really means.”
Read more at: University of Colorado at Boulder
The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system. (Photo Credit: Jessica Hankins)
