Corals developing 'sunscreen' for protection against rising sea temperature: Study

While scientists have repeatedly cautioned over excessive ‘bleaching’ of coral reefs due to global warming, a new study has revealed that some of corals have developed a ‘sunscreen’ to protect ir skeletons against rising sea temperature.

Many of se marine invertebrates have algae embedded in ir cells that help m survive in challenging conditions. However, rising sea temperature can le to an imbalance and loss of algae, leaving corals limestone exposed to sunlight. This often results in death of  deeter organisms.

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study by researchers at University of Southampton published in Current Biology states that as per ir observations, some of corals were producing a ‘sunscreen’ in form of a colourful display as a response to mild heating conditions. coral rmally loses its colour when temperature underwater reaches 30-31 degree-Celcius and if warm conditions persist, y die. However, w scientists have found that lost algae are retrieved by some corals by its neon colours and have even called this phemen ‘optical feedback loop’. 

Professor Jorg Wiedenmann explained: "Our research shows colourful bleaching involves a self-regulating mechanism, a so-called optical feedback loop, which involves both partners of symbiosis [ coral and algae].”

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Corals could be bleached in 15 years

Meanwhile, a research carried out at Bangor University suggested that Amazon Rainforest could be gone in about 49 years and coral reefs could be bleached in next 15 years. researchers analysed changes of 25 marine, 13 freshwater and four land ecosystems to find out how long it would take for m to reach a critical point.

Dr Simon Willcock, a joint le author on study, from Bangor University's School of Natural Sciences, said that changes represent a threat to human life. scientists have said that once a 'tipping point' is triggered, large ecosystems could collapse much faster. 

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