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Unread 03/20/2008, 08:42 PM   #1
55semireef
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Rough Draft Essay on coral reef bleaching

I typed this for my college english class. I didn't get into much detail in this essay just becauase the directions didn't require me too. If this essay was for a science class I would of gone much further into facts and details...well anyways here it is. It is a rough draft so I would appreciate much feedback.

One of the most beautiful ecosystems know to this planet is on the decline and will continue to decline as the Earth warms. Coral reefs throughout the different parts of the ocean are starting to die off due to global warming and pollution caused by humans. Coral die off caused by excess temperatures or pollution is known as coral bleaching where the coral emit’s the symbiotic zooxanthellae algae that lives within its tissue. Ultimately the coral loses its beautiful color and turns completely white. If humans want to continue to enjoy the existence of these delicate animals, there must be an assertive taken action to stop the warming of our planet and to clean the oceans.
With millions of cars running, factories generating energy and houses running the planet continues to warm. Whether the population believes the planet is warming because “Earth is just going through a natural cycle” or because of all the greenhouse gasses that humans are emitting, the coral reefs are going to continue to come to their demise. The greenhouse gases that humans are emitting such as Co2 are becoming trapped in the atmosphere which then slows the infrared light from escaping Earth thus warming the planet. As the planet warms the oceans do as well. Corals being very sensitive organisms and having such specific requirements to thrive are immediately effected because of this. It’s not just corals but most invertebrates too that are sessile (incapable of movement). Most creatures that live on the coral reef needs stable temperatures of anywhere from 74 degrees to 82 degrees Fahrenheit to live. However the increased temperatures that Earth is experiencing are causing some coral reef habitats to exceed above maximum temperatures. When corals are living in high temperatures their symbiotic algae dies off and the coral loses its color. The symbiotic algae is the primary source of food for the coral because it photosynthesizes the light from the sun and then the coral uses the energy that the algae made to feed itself. Without this algae, existence is impossible.
Excessive temperatures isn’t the only culprit responsible for coral bleaching but pollution is also a major factor too. There are all types of reasons for pollution whether its factories dumping waste into the ocean, people throwing their trash overboard or sunscreen rubbing off peoples skin at the beach. Overtime, pollution adds up and begins to cause the water quality to decline.
If these problems pursue the magnificent coral reefs such as the Great Barrier reef that lies along Australia’s coast are going to be in jeopardy. The worldly population as a whole needs to step up and reduce the amount of trash produced, the amount of pollution produced and most importantly become aware of what’s going to happen if changes aren’t made to improve the overall environment. Countries need to cut down on pollution and enforce policies that will reduce emissions as well. If action isn’t taken to improve the overall water quality of the oceans then coral reefs will eventually continue to decline and one of the Earth’s most spectacular beauties will disappear. However, the coral reef is something much more significant than to stare at. The coral reef keeps the oceans clean and supports an abundance of life throughout the ocean. Many fish, sharks and even aquatic mammals go to the coral reefs to lay their eggs or mate. Coral reefs are an excellent nursery as well as a place to feed. If the coral reefs die out then it interrupts many other ecosystems that are dependent upon it.
Unfortunately, it is sad to say that there are some others that are skeptic of the reason why the coral reefs are dying out. Some believe that this is just one of Earth’s natural cycles that is responsible for the bleaching. Skeptical people do not worry as much and are not taking responsibility. If Earth is just going through a natural cycle of that causes the planet to heat then yes there isn’t much humans can do but there is a vast amount if evidence that supports the theory that humans are responsible for the coral bleaching. In this century, Co2 levels have risen as much as 30%; Co2 being a greenhouse gas traps in heat. Scientists are also able to take samples of ice in the North Pole and look at how many parts per million of different greenhouse gases that were in that time period. Within the past century, the greenhouse gases has exponentially increased especially following both industrial revolutions. The chances of this just being a “natural cycle” is not plausible at all. That is why being of aware of the environment is a must.
As a fanatical lover of other living things, I would be extremely saddened to see the coral reef be reduced to nothing. I have been fascinated with marine life since I was four years old when I first laid my eyes on a saltwater fish tank. The coral reef is one of the great wonders of this world and humans have to treat it like it is. The ocean wouldn’t be the same without the coral reef not only because of the coral reefs ensures stability but because it is what gives the ocean it’s true beauty.
Global warming and pollution are two events that are going on within Earth that are leaching the life out of coral reefs. With the way humans live life, temperatures of the oceans are going to keep increasing unless immediate action is taken upon. Coral reefs isn’t just a piece of artwork of the ocean but it has its biological importance too because plays a major role for many fishes.


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Unread 01/10/2021, 10:07 AM   #2
JosephGun
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Very impressive essay dude!


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Unread 01/10/2021, 11:05 AM   #3
Oldreeferman
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We are the life form at the top of the chain with no natural predator but ourselves to keep anything we do in check far as the ecosystem goes except a few laws governing a few precious locations, and we like to breed and spread like everything else does on this beautiful blue sphere.
Last 200 yrs. the Earth has suddenly gotten very populated and very small with the advent of the industrial age & jet aircraft & autos & energy needs.... with no end in sight really.
Good essay, hope people will listen and learn the Planet is finite verses infinite because that is the bottom line here and time is no longer on our side anymore or dilution of pollution and the corals are showing we are in deep trouble everywhere.
Maybe new techs will figure out how to keep everyone happy & also attempt to really fix the Planets ecosystems at the same time before its too late? Hmmm.....
Wish i could see the future 200yrs. from now to see just what really will happen to us, the changes i've seen in just the last 50yrs. are boggling......on land & in the Oceans.


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Unread 01/15/2021, 12:36 PM   #4
lebowski
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Here is your paper with some corrections and additions. I changed some things and made sure to just add the pronoun "us" in replacement of "humans". When stating a case about an issue you are adamant about, be sure to enforce the power of the pronoun and who you are targeting with your words.


(first and foremost, remember indentations for paragraphing.)

One of the most beautiful ecosystems known to this planet is on the decline and may continue to do so due to the growth in climate temperatures. Coral reefs throughout the different parts of the ocean are starting to die off due to global warming and pollution caused by us. Coral die-off caused by excess temperatures or pollution is known as coral bleaching where the coral emits symbiotic zooxanthellae algae living within its tissue. Ultimately, the coral loses its beautiful color and turns completely white. If we want to continue to enjoy the existence of these delicate animals, one should assert themselves proactively through active volunteering in whatever labor is necessary to help ease and fight the dilemma.
Each day, millions of cars operate, factories generate electricity and houses run their utilities and systems that add a bio-print into our air column. It doesn't matter whether the argument for the climate shifts is from greenhouse emissions, or from human consumption. The effects are taking place from our patterns of behavior. These greenhouse gases that we are emitting becoming trapped in the atmosphere, slowing the infrared light from escaping Earth thus warming the planet. As the planet warms the oceans do as well. Corals being very sensitive organisms and having such specific requirements to thrive are immediately effected because of this.
Aside from this dilemma is motion. Corals are unable to escape any shift in temperatures or environment. Other sessile organisms such as invertebrates find it difficult to move as well. Most creatures that live on the coral reef need stable temperatures of anywhere from 74 degrees to 82 degrees Fahrenheit to thrive. However the increased temperatures that Earth is experiencing are causing some coral reef habitats to exceed above maximum temperatures. When corals are living in high temperatures their symbiotic algae dies off and the coral loses its color. The symbiotic algae is the primary source of food for the coral because it photosynthesizes the light from the sun and then the coral uses the energy that the algae made to feed itself. Without this algae, existence is impossible.
Excessive temperatures aren't the only culprit responsible for coral bleaching. Pollution is also.
There are all types of reasons for pollution. Whether its factories dumping waste into the ocean, people throwing their trash overboard or sunscreen rubbing off people's skin at the beach. Over time, pollution adds up and begins to cause the water quality to decline. If these problems pursue, the magnificent coral reefs such as the Great Barrier reef that lies along Australia's coast are going to be in jeopardy. The Earth population as a whole needs to step up and reduce the amount of trash produced, the amount of pollution produced and most importantly: become aware of what's going to happen if changes aren't made to improve the overall environment. Countries need to cut down on pollution and enforce policies that will reduce emissions as well. If action isn't taken to improve the overall water quality of the oceans, then coral reefs will eventually continue to decline and one of the Earth's most spectacular beauties will disappear. However, the coral reef is something much more significant than to stare at. The coral reef keeps the oceans clean and supports an abundance of life throughout the ocean. Many fish, sharks and even aquatic mammals go to the coral reefs to lay their eggs or mate. Coral reefs are an excellent nursery as well as a place to feed. If the coral reefs die out then it interrupts many other ecosystems that are dependent upon it.
Unfortunately, it is sad to say that there are skeptics to the reason why the coral reefs are dying out. Some believe that this is just one of Earth's natural cycles that is responsible for the bleaching. Skeptical people do not worry as much and are not taking responsibility. If Earth is just going through a natural cycle of that causes the planet to heat then yes there isn't much humans can do but there is a vast amount if evidence that supports the theory that humans are responsible for the coral bleaching. In this century, Co2 levels have risen as much as 30%; Co2 being a greenhouse gas traps in heat. Scientists are also able to take samples of ice in the North Pole and look at how many PPM (parts per million )of different greenhouse gases that were in that time period. Within the past century, the greenhouse gases has exponentially increased especially following both industrial revolutions. The chances of this just being a natural cycle is not plausible at all. That is why being of aware of the environment is a must.
As a fanatical lover of other living things, I would be extremely saddened to see the coral reef be reduced to nothing. I have been fascinated with marine life since I was four years old when I first laid my eyes on a saltwater fish tank. The coral reef is one of the great wonders of this world and humans have to treat it like it is. The ocean would not be the same without the coral reef. The coral reef ensures stability to what is a beautiful spectacle of nature.
Global warming and pollution are two events that are going on within Earth that are leeching the life out of coral reefs. With the way humans live life, temperatures of the oceans are going to keep increasing unless immediate action is taken. Coral reefs aren't just a piece of biological artwork. Their survival and health will determine the outcome of many other of life's natural wonders. Who knows what long-term detriments will come if we do not take sudden action to take care of our wonderful Earth!




______
I added some additional stuff in there for you, but most of all just left your lexicon. I kind of like it. What grade are you in?

Cheers!


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Unread 01/15/2021, 01:47 PM   #5
ThePurple12
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Posted in 2008


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Unread 01/16/2021, 03:54 PM   #6
lebowski
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Whoops. Didn't look at the date there. Was just responding to threads.

Thanks!


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