Chemical Basis

Coral reefs are one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet. Even the coral itself is made of calcium carbonate skeletons from small coral animals. Yet the coral reefs are in danger of being destroyed by atmospheric CO2. When the carbon dioxide dissolves in water it causes a reaction which forms an acid, this makes the water more acidic and causes damage to these beautiful coral reefs and all life that lives there. 10% of the worlds coral reefs have already been destroyed. In the Philippines the destruction of coral reefs is the worst. 70% has already been destroyed and only 5% is said to be in "good" condition. Humans contribute to the desecration of coral reefs, directly and indirectly. Indirectly through the pollution of the earth and water around coral reefs. Directly through global warming and carbon dioxide. We destroyed the environment. Coral reefs must have clean, clear water. Without this they cannot survive.

Sources - Chapter 2 - The Chemical Basis of Life. Biology: Concepts and Connections. Neil A. Campbell. Eric J. Simon. Kelly Hogan. Martha R. Taylor. Jane B. Reece. Jean L. Dickey.

http://oceanworld.tamu.edu/students/coral/coral5.htm - Coral Reef Destruction and Conservation. Author Unavailable. Date Unavailable.

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/About/General/2011/2/23/1298488013408/Coral-reef-near-Fiji-007.jpg

http://earthshare.typepad.com/.a/6a00e554936bef8834017eeb1f69a8970d-450wi