Connecting Ideas about Coral Bleaching
During a recent lecture on the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems, Professor Smith highlighted the phenomenon of coral bleaching. He explained that this occurs when corals, stressed by rising ocean temperatures, expel the algae living in their tissues. These algae are essential for the corals' nutrition and color. Without them, the corals turn white and face a higher chance of mortality. The lecture also included a discussion on the economic implications of declining coral reefs, such as loss of tourism revenue and decreased fish populations, which significantly affects local fisheries.
To mitigate these impacts, Professor Smith emphasized the importance of policy changes aimed at reducing global carbon emissions. He presented several case studies showing how effective local initiatives, such as marine protected areas, can help rejuvenate damaged ecosystems. The professor concluded with a call to action for students to engage in advocacy and support sustainability efforts.
Note: This question has been adapted from its original format to accommodate a reading-based version. In the official TOEFL exam, speaking and listening sections require verbal responses and audio prompts, which are not represented here. Please note that this adaptation may not fully reflect the nature or difficulty of the official exam. The audio feature for these sections will be available soon.