Adapting to Climate Change: Tropical Reefs May Grow Faster in Cooler Water
Tropical coral reefs are under threat from climate change, and with ocean temperatures rising, it’s more important than ever to protect them. But a new study has found that some tropical coral reefs are adapting to rising temperatures faster than expected - and in some cases, are even getting cooler!
The study, published in Nature Climate Change, examined the response of tropical coral reefs to rising ocean temperatures. Researchers found that in certain locations, coral reefs have been able to adapt to the changing temperatures by adjusting their metabolism, allowing them to remain cooler than the surrounding ocean. This adaptive ability is giving some coral reefs a fighting chance in the face of climate change.
“Our research shows that some coral reefs are able to adapt to rising temperatures faster than expected, which is great news for their future,” said lead author Dr. Roberta Sullo. “These reefs may be able to remain cooler than the surrounding ocean and provide a refuge for the many species that rely on them, even in the face of climate change.”
source: Phys.org