In an important study, scientists have succeeded in producing corals with greater heat tolerance through selective breeding. This achievement can help to preserve coral reefs that are severely threatened due to global warming.
According to Tekna Technology Media Scientific News Department, coral reefs play a very important role in marine ecosystems as the habitat of thousands of marine species. However, the increase in the temperature of the ocean waters has caused the bleaching and death of many corals.
In this study, researchers have shown that by selecting corals that show greater resistance to periods of extreme heat and breeding them, future generations of corals can be made more resilient. Of course, this method alone cannot solve the problem, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions and controlling climate change is still necessary. Coral bleaching occurs when corals lose the symbiotic algae that feed them under heat stress. This causes the corals to lose their color and turn white. If conditions do not improve, corals will die.
Selective breeding of corals can be used as a complementary tool to protect coral reefs. However, this method also comes with challenges. For example, it is unclear how many of these farmed corals would need to be transferred to natural environments to have a significant impact. Also, it should be ensured that the favorable characteristics of these corals are maintained in the next generations. Finally, although breeding hardy corals can help preserve coral reefs, this alone is not enough. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and controlling climate change is still the most important measure to save these valuable ecosystems.
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