In Our Time Corals
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Oct 28, 2021 Join Steve Jones, Senior Research Fellow in Genetics, Nicola Foster, Lecturer in Marine Biology, and Gareth Williams, Associate Professor in Marine Biology, as they dive into the fascinating world of corals. They discuss Darwin's revolutionary insights into coral reefs and their slow geological changes. The conversation highlights the alarming threats corals face from climate change and human activity. Topics include the vibrant and intricate ecosystems of coral reefs, their resilience, and even the surprising locations of corals beyond tropical zones.
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Reef Variations and Human Impact
- Coral reefs vary significantly due to factors like wave energy and food availability.
- Human impact overlays natural variations, making discerning the causes of change challenging.
Coral-Algae Symbiosis
- The coral-algae relationship is a symbiotic one, but with underlying tension.
- Coral bleaching, often attributed to human impact, can also be a natural dynamic response to stress.
Coral Bleaching Threat
- Coral bleaching, a major threat, is caused by various stressors, primarily rising sea temperatures.
- Corals can recover if stress is alleviated, but prolonged exposure leads to death and reef degradation.
