Question

10 the passage states that “rising ocean temperatures also affect the ecosystems in the coral reef, throwing off the delicate balance that allows so many species to coexist.” explain how rising ocean temperatures, pollution, or human interference could throw the ecosystems of the great barrier reef off balance. support your answer with evidence from the passage.

Explanation:

Rising ocean temperatures can cause coral bleaching as corals expel symbiotic algae. Pollution can introduce harmful chemicals and excess nutrients, disrupting food - webs. Human interference like over - fishing can reduce predator or prey species, breaking the balance. The passage mentions the general impact of rising temperatures on coral reef ecosystems, and these factors work in a similar way on the Great Barrier Reef.

Answer:

Rising ocean temperatures can lead to coral bleaching. When the water gets too warm, corals expel the symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) living in their tissues, which provide them with food and give them their color. Without these algae, corals become stressed and can die. Pollution, such as chemical runoff and oil spills, can introduce harmful substances into the reef ecosystem. Excess nutrients from agricultural runoff can cause algal blooms, which can smother corals and deplete oxygen levels in the water. Human interference like over - fishing can disrupt the predator - prey relationships. For example, overfishing of herbivorous fish can lead to an overgrowth of algae on the reef, which competes with corals for space. The passage states that rising ocean temperatures affect the delicate balance in coral reef ecosystems, and these factors (temperature, pollution, human interference) can have similar and compounding effects on the Great Barrier Reef.