Which characteristic does NOT threaten coral reefs according to common assessments?

Which characteristic does NOT threaten coral reefs according to common assessments?

• A. Climate change
• B. Marine plastic debris
• C. Overfishing
• D. Pollution

Answer: (B)

Marine plastic debris is the characteristic that does not typically threaten coral reefs according to common assessments. Climate change, overfishing, and pollution are well-documented factors that negatively impact coral reef ecosystems. Climate change affects coral reefs primarily through rising sea temperatures, which can lead to coral bleaching—a stress response that can ultimately result in coral death if conditions do not improve. Overfishing disrupts the ecological balance of reef habitats by depleting key species that maintain the health of the reef ecosystem and can lead to overgrowth of algae that smothers corals. Pollution, which includes nutrient runoff and sedimentation, can harm coral by promoting algae blooms that compete with corals for space and light, as well as by introducing toxic substances into the water. While marine plastic debris can have harmful effects on marine life, such as entanglement and ingestion by various ocean species, it is generally not categorized as a direct threat to coral reefs in the same manner as the other factors. Therefore, this option stands out as the one that is less commonly associated with direct threats to coral ecosystems.

Marine plastic debris is the characteristic that does not typically threaten coral reefs according to common assessments. Climate change, overfishing, and pollution are well-documented factors that negatively impact coral reef ecosystems.

Climate change affects coral reefs primarily through rising sea temperatures, which can lead to coral bleaching—a stress response that can ultimately result in coral death if conditions do not improve. Overfishing disrupts the ecological balance of reef habitats by depleting key species that maintain the health of the reef ecosystem and can lead to overgrowth of algae that smothers corals. Pollution, which includes nutrient runoff and sedimentation, can harm coral by promoting algae blooms that compete with corals for space and light, as well as by introducing toxic substances into the water.

While marine plastic debris can have harmful effects on marine life, such as entanglement and ingestion by various ocean species, it is generally not categorized as a direct threat to coral reefs in the same manner as the other factors. Therefore, this option stands out as the one that is less commonly associated with direct threats to coral ecosystems.