Pre-reading questions:
- Do you like sunbathing on the beach? Why or why not?
- Do you think the earth is getting warmer? Why or why not?
Vocabulary:
- coral reef /KAWR-uhl REEF/
- bleach /bleech/
- El Niño /el NEEN-yoh/
- refuge /REF-yooj/
- species /SPEE-sheez/
[noun] an area formed in the sea from masses of hard shells
When the tide is low, you can see coral reefs from the island.
[verb] to whiten by exposure to sunlight or chemicals
Tom bleached his hair yesterday.
[noun] a period of unusually warm ocean temperature
El Niño has been damaging crops around the world.
[noun] a place that provides protection
We took refuge from the flood in the local church.
[noun] a set of animals or plants with similar characteristics
The sea turtle is one of the protected species.
Scientists believe that too much heat has harmed more than one-third of Earth’s coral reefs. Coral reefs, which take centuries to form, can be damaged in just a few months. According to National Coral Bleaching Task Force of Australia, the Great Barrier Reef is the most damaged. One of the factors was the worst El Niño which occurred in 2015.
Coral reefs serve as refuge to various marine species. There are about 30 million fishermen who rely on sea creatures for their livelihood. In some countries, fish supported by the reefs provide the primary source of protein. Fish also feed billions of people worldwide.
Coral reefs serve as refuge to various marine species. There are about 30 million fishermen who rely on sea creatures for their livelihood. In some countries, fish supported by the reefs provide the primary source of protein. Fish also feed billions of people worldwide.
Comprehension Questions:
- Why are coral reefs important to marine species?
- When did the most powerful El Niño happen?
- How many people worldwide depend on marine species for their livelihood?
- What is the most damaged coral reef in the world?
- How long does it take for fish shelters to form?
Discussion Questions:
- How important are marine species in your culture?
- Is fishing an important industry in your country? Why or why not?
- In your opinion, how can coral reefs be protected from further damage?
- What do you think would happen if coral reefs are not protected?
- What are the other factors that destroy the world’s oceans?