Introduction
Florida reef tract is a vast bed or coral sanctuary that covers from Fowey Rocks near Miami to Dry Tortugas. This is known to be the most extensive living coral barrier reef system in Northern America waters. Description of factors that define coral reef and biotic factors found here will be included in this study. This research will be outlined based on the analogy of marine life species and how they affect the near-shore coral communities through bio-manipulation.
About Coral Reef
A-biotic factors that define coral reef are hurricanes, currents, sunlight, and water quality. High winds and large waves of hurricanes can damage coral reefs. Thus, they are surviving because of the currents, sunlight to photosynthesize and to produce food and salty water that is clean, low in nutrients, nitrogen, and phosphorous. Biotic factors present in Florida reef include species of birds, reptiles, trees, and other living things. Coral reefs support aquatic species that offer income through fishing and tourism. Scientists discovered that it may contain medicines that can be used for treatments of HIV and cancer. It also protects coastlines from storm. Nowadays, ocean acidification threatens the environment. It is caused by man when carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere and it impacts climate change and destroys marine ecosystems such as corals. Another factor that destroys marine ecosystems is an invasive species known as an organism that is not native and wipes out habitat. In Florida waters, Lion fish is considered invasive species that impacts native fish.
Beaches in most Miami that are frequently replenished with sands from deep-ocean are an example of bio-manipulation. Physical destruction from vessel groundings, dredging and filling activities affect coral reef and is a threat to coral ecosystem.
Conclusion
It is known that coral reef is one of the important parts of the marine ecosystem. This marine life provides food and shelter in the ocean. However, ocean acidification, invasive species and bio-manipulation are serious threat to the coral reefs.
Works Cited
Reece, Jane B. Campbell Biology: Concepts & Connections. San Francisco, CA: Benjamin Cummings / Pearson, 2012. Print.
