Why are coral reefs important?

Not only do coral reefs account for 25 percent of all life in the ocean, but they also serve as the sea’s early-warning system. The delicate relationship between corals and their algae roommates is vulnerable to the slightest changes in global climate and ocean health. A jump of even two degrees in water temperature sends the algae packing their bags, leaving the coral look. Pollution can poison the sensitive corals in their shallow habitats. When the corals go bad, the rest of the ocean could follow.

 

Picture Credit : Google