Lesson 4 Only One Earth
Save Coral Reefs
When you go deep ____ the sea, you can see a variety of marine animals including corals.
Over the course of many years, corals build up to form large structures called coral ____
____ colored coral reefs provide a beautiful underwater landscape.
However, this is not the only reason they are ____
Importance of Coral Reefs
____ reefs are crucial ecosystems that protect both marine life and people living near the sea.
Coral reefs provide shelter to an ____ of marine life, such as fish and underwater plants.
Because of the ____ of life found in coral reefs, they are often called “the rainforests of the sea.”
Nearly one quarter of all known marine species depend on ____ reefs for survival — they hide themselves from predators, find food, reproduce, and raise their young in coral reefs.
As far as ____ are concerned, over half a billion people rely on coral reefs for safety and survival.
When large waves generated by storms rush toward shore, ____ reefs serve as natural barriers.
The force of the waves is reduced as they ____ the coral reefs.
Consequently, they prevent the land ____ the shore from washing away and thus protect towns near the sea.
Moreover, reefs are a source of medicine, and many organisms found in coral reefs are used to treat diseases ____ cancer.
This is why they are sometimes referred to as ____ “medicine chests of the sea.
Coral Reefs in Danger
These underwater ____ are under threat of destruction.
The more coral reefs become damaged, the more creatures relying on them will ____ their homes.
Thus, the increasing loss of coral reefs might lead to the ____ of the entire marine ecosystem.
The U.N. reported that many ____ the world’s coral reefs are currently endangered.
In fact, nearly half of Australia’s Great Barrier ____ the world’s largest, has disappeared.
____ swift action is not taken, scientists estimate that most coral reefs will be destroyed by 2050.
What causes coral reefs to die?
There are various causes, like destructive ____ techniques, overpopulation of corals’ natural enemies, and careless tourism.
However, the leading cause is the ____ in water temperature due to global warming.
The ideal temperature range for corals to live ____ 20°C to 28°C.
When the water temperature rises above 30°C, ____ reefs turn white and eventually die.
Another serious cause is ____ waste.
Plastic products, such as bottles and ____ lines, have been dumped into the sea.
This spreads viruses and diseases, damaging ____ reefs and their inhabitants.
Technologies to Save Coral Reefs
In ____ years, advanced technologies have been put in place to save coral reefs by monitoring, protecting, and restoring them in quick and efficient ways.
Researchers from Florida introduced a soft jellyfish-like robot ____ monitor coral reefs without damaging their delicate bodies.
In addition, an Australian research team invented an intelligent underwater robot to protect coral reefs from a dangerous species of ____
The robot uses a camera and ____ vision system to scan the reefs and identify this starfish.
When it encounters one, the robot uses a foldable arm to inject some toxic ____ into the starfish and eliminate it.
Meanwhile, 3D printing systems have been proposed in Hong ____ as one way to restore coral reef structures.
The 3D printer creates artificial support ____ corals.
____ example is a block made of mud that lies on the floor of the ocean.
It is shaped in a way that allows corals to attach to it and ____ easily.
Actions to Save Coral Reefs
Here are ____ simple but effective steps we can take in order to help protect coral reefs.
First, you can avoid using beauty products containing tiny pieces of plastic because they pollute ____ oceans.
Also, try not to use sunscreen made ____ certain chemicals that damage corals.
Second, you can volunteer to help clean the ____
Recycling and reducing trash is a huge help in ____ a clean ocean.
Last ____ not least, make it known that coral reefs are in danger by spreading the word to people around you.
Let people know about the threat to coral reefs ____ what actions to take to save them.
This will make a big difference ____ the future.