Provided by: NBC News Learn|Published on: March 20, 2021
Videos
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Synopsis
In this 6-minute video, students will learn that carbon dioxide emissions have caused ocean waters to warm and become more acidic, damaging corals in reefs around the world.
As corals disappear, ocean biodiversity decreases, and coastal regions become more susceptible to erosion and storm surge.
Use this video to introduce lessons on biodiversity, conservation, or aquatic ecosystems.
Prerequisites:
Though the video presents an overview of the symbiotic relationship between coral and zooxanthellae, consider elaborating on how zooxanthellae are related to coral bleaching.
Extensions:
Students research the types of organisms that live in coral reefs and make a slideshow to show how coral bleaching affects the other organisms that live in coral ecosystems.
Interdisciplinary Connections:
Social Studies
Discuss the impact that coral reef destruction has on coastal erosion, storm surge protection, tourism, and the fishing industry.
