Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) Subject Area Practice Test

What environmental change is primarily threatening the coral reefs?

1. Increased fishing

2. Overpopulation of coastal areas

3. Pollution causing temperature rise

4. A decrease in ocean currents

The correct answer is: Pollution causing temperature rise

Coral reefs are highly sensitive ecosystems that require specific environmental conditions to thrive, and pollution causing temperature rise is a significant threat to their survival. One of the primary contributors to this issue is climate change, which leads to an increase in ocean temperatures. Coral reefs are vulnerable to even slight changes in temperature; as water temperatures rise, corals undergo stress and can expel the algae (zooxanthellae) that live within their tissues and provide them with energy through photosynthesis. This process, known as coral bleaching, severely impacts the health of coral reefs, often leading to widespread mortality if temperatures do not return to normal levels. Additionally, pollution from coastal development, agricultural runoff, and chemical discharges can exacerbate the effects of warming waters. This combination of warming waters and pollution creates an inhospitable environment for coral survival, growth, and reproduction, further contributing to the degradation of these vital marine ecosystems. While increased fishing, overpopulation of coastal areas, and a decrease in ocean currents can impact coral reefs in various ways, the most immediate and pressing issue linked to their decline is the pollution and associated temperature rise affecting the oceans. This connection highlights the importance of addressing climate change and pollution for the protection of coral reefs.