Assessing the impact of temperature on coral bleaching in reef systems

Huisman, Thimo (2023) Assessing the impact of temperature on coral bleaching in reef systems. Bachelor's Thesis, Biology.

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Abstract

Coral reefs are critical ecosystems that support high biodiversity and provide numerous benefits to both humans and marine ecosystems. However, global climate change, driven by increasing green- house gas emissions, poses a significant threat to these ecosystems. Rising ocean temperatures are a primary consequence of climate change and have profound impacts on coral reef systems worldwide. This paper examines the ecological interactions and mechanisms leading to coral bleaching under thermal stress. The symbiotic relationship between corals and zooxanthellae algae is disrupted as elevated temperatures induce heat stress, leading to the expulsion of zooxanthellae and subsequent bleaching. Heat shock proteins and cellular responses provide initial defense mechanisms, but pro- longed stress overwhelms these protective processes. Additionally, photodamage and oxidative stress further contribute to coral bleaching. Impaired pH regulation, and decreased carbonic anhydrase ac- tivity, hampers coral calcification and vital physiological processes. Understanding these processes is crucial for effective conservation strategies to mitigate the impacts of rising ocean temperatures and protect these coral reef systems against ongoing climate change.

Item Type:	Thesis (Bachelor's Thesis)
Supervisor name:	Poll, W.H. van de
Degree programme:	Biology
Thesis type:	Bachelor's Thesis
Language:	English
Date Deposited:	26 Jul 2023 07:35
Last Modified:	26 Jul 2023 07:35
URI:	https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/30880

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