Which of the following is NOT an environmental challenge to coral reefs?

Which of the following is NOT an environmental challenge to coral reefs?

• A. Elevated ocean temperatures
• B. Ocean acidification
• C. Overfishing
• D. Increase in coral growth

Answer: (D)

The choice indicating an increase in coral growth is indeed not an environmental challenge to coral reefs. Coral reefs thrive in specific conditions that include stable temperatures and water chemistry. An increase in coral growth typically signifies a healthy ecosystem where coral can flourish, assuming other environmental conditions are met. In contrast, elevated ocean temperatures, ocean acidification, and overfishing all pose significant threats to coral ecosystems. Elevated temperatures can lead to bleaching, where corals lose the symbiotic algae that provide them with energy, ultimately endangering their survival. Ocean acidification, a result of increased CO2 levels, decreases the availability of calcium carbonate, essential for coral building and maintenance. Overfishing disrupts the balance of reef ecosystems, as many fish species are integral to coral health by maintaining the balance of algae and preventing overgrowth. Thus, while the former factors present considerable challenges, an increase in coral growth is a positive sign and not an environmental concern.

The choice indicating an increase in coral growth is indeed not an environmental challenge to coral reefs. Coral reefs thrive in specific conditions that include stable temperatures and water chemistry. An increase in coral growth typically signifies a healthy ecosystem where coral can flourish, assuming other environmental conditions are met.

In contrast, elevated ocean temperatures, ocean acidification, and overfishing all pose significant threats to coral ecosystems. Elevated temperatures can lead to bleaching, where corals lose the symbiotic algae that provide them with energy, ultimately endangering their survival. Ocean acidification, a result of increased CO2 levels, decreases the availability of calcium carbonate, essential for coral building and maintenance. Overfishing disrupts the balance of reef ecosystems, as many fish species are integral to coral health by maintaining the balance of algae and preventing overgrowth.

Thus, while the former factors present considerable challenges, an increase in coral growth is a positive sign and not an environmental concern.