Coral reefs support an estimated 25% of marine species, and corals are highly sensitive to ocean heat: marine heat waves can cause corals to expel their symbiotic algae, leading to bleaching and increased coral mortality.
November 19, 2025
high
ecological
Ecological importance of coral reefs and mechanism of heat-driven bleaching
Coral reefs provide food, shelter and breeding grounds for roughly 4,000 fish species, protect shorelines from erosion, and support tourism by attracting snorkelers and divers.
high
descriptive
Ecosystem services provided by coral reefs.
Sharks function as apex predators in marine ecosystems, and declines in shark populations can trigger cascading ecological effects that negatively affect coral reefs and fisheries.
high
ecology
Ecological role of sharks and potential consequences of their decline.