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“Coral Dominance”: A Dangerous Ecosystem Misnomer?
Author
Source
Issue
Vol. 2011, Issue 2011 (31 Dec. 2011), pp.1-8, 8 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2010-10-20
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
8
Main Subjects
Earth Science , Water and Environment
Abstract EN
Over 100 years ago, before threats such as global climate change and ocean acidification were issues engrossing marine scientists, numerous tropical reef biologists began expressing concern that too much emphasis was being placed on coral dominance in reef systems.
These researchers believed that the scientific community was beginning to lose sight of the overall mix of calcifying organisms necessary for the healthy function of reef ecosystems and demonstrated that some reefs were naturally coral dominated with corals being the main organisms responsible for reef accretion, yet other healthy reef ecosystems were found to rely almost entirely on calcified algae and foraminifera for calcium carbonate accumulation.
Despite these historical cautionary messages, many agencies today have inherited a coral-centric approach to reef management, likely to the detriment of reef ecosystems worldwide.
For example, recent research has shown that crustose coralline algae, a group of plants essential for building and cementing reef systems, are in greater danger of exhibiting decreased calcification rates and increased solubility than corals in warmer and more acidic ocean environments.
A shift from coral-centric views to broader ecosystem views is imperative in order to protect endangered reef systems worldwide.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Vroom, Peter S.. 2010. “Coral Dominance”: A Dangerous Ecosystem Misnomer?. Journal of Marine Sciences،Vol. 2011, no. 2011, pp.1-8.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-990903
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Vroom, Peter S.. “Coral Dominance”: A Dangerous Ecosystem Misnomer?. Journal of Marine Sciences No. 2011 (2011), pp.1-8.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-990903
American Medical Association (AMA)
Vroom, Peter S.. “Coral Dominance”: A Dangerous Ecosystem Misnomer?. Journal of Marine Sciences. 2010. Vol. 2011, no. 2011, pp.1-8.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-990903
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-990903