Coral reefs are quickly being destroyed by increasing ocean acidity caused largely by human activity. Bleached coral reefs are quickly becoming more common. However, some coral species, such as rice coral, have been shown to be increasingly resistant to the ocean's changes. Scientists such as Dr. Hollie Putnam, a National Science Foundation Ocean Sciences Post-Doctoral Fellow, have begun researching the mechanisms that corals utilize to respond to altered ocean conditions. So far, Putnam has revealed that some coral are responding to climate change by changing markings on their DNA to modify what the DNA produces. For example, tested coral that are more sensitive to acidity showed in increase in DNA methylation. This ability to regulate what the DNA produces may be a mechanism by which this species responds to environmental stresses. This process, if adapted by other coral, would increase genetic diversity and encourage natural selection. It is possible that such a situation would lead to coral reefs that could thrive in future acid oceans.
Coral reefs sustain fisheries that feed millions of people, provide protection to coastlines from storms, and bolster economies through tourism. They are also highly important when it comes to measuring ocean health. Effectively ensuring the survival of coral reefs is essential for the future of the earth's oceans.
http://www.newswise.com/articles/corals-respond-to-changing-ocean-conditions-by-altering-regulation-of-the-dna-message
Coral reefs sustain fisheries that feed millions of people, provide protection to coastlines from storms, and bolster economies through tourism. They are also highly important when it comes to measuring ocean health. Effectively ensuring the survival of coral reefs is essential for the future of the earth's oceans.
http://www.newswise.com/articles/corals-respond-to-changing-ocean-conditions-by-altering-regulation-of-the-dna-message