Photo courtesy of: © Andrew Jalbert
Excerpts;
New research has uncovered the protective properties of soft coral tissue, which proved resilient when exposed to declining oceanic pH levels. The study provides insight into the changing face of coral reefs threatened by dropping oceanic pH levels as a result of climate change and may provide a new approach toward preserving the harder, calcified reef foundations.
“A reef is like an orchestra. Many organisms interact to create harmony,” said Prof. Benayahu. “Thousands of species live together and create life together. It is hard to predict what will happen if only soft corals survive, because they simply do not calcify at same rate as stony corals.”
The researchers are currently studying the potential effects of soft coral displacement of stony coral species and the subsequent ramifications for reefs…
