International Journal of Marine Science, 2024, Vol.14, No.1, 14-20 http://www.aquapublisher.com/index.php/ijms 15 Coral reefs are also one of the most abundant and diverse environments in the global marine ecosystem, providing shelter and food sources for countless marine species. However, in recent years, ocean acidification caused by global climate change has posed a serious threat to coral reefs and their ecosystems (Albright and Cooley, 2019). Ocean acidification is caused by an increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which leads to changes in the acidity and alkalinity of seawater. This is because carbon dioxide dissolves in seawater, forming carbonate ions, causing the pH value of seawater to decrease and become more acidic. This has a direct impact on the physiological processes and bone formation of coral animals, slowing down the growth rate of corals and leading to bone dissolution. The climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions leads to an increase in seawater temperature, leading to coral bleaching (Figure 2). Coral bleaching refers to the disorder of the relationship between corals and symbiotic algae, causing symbiotic algae to detach from the coral body and cause coral to turn white. This deprives corals of important sources of nutrients and makes them vulnerable to disease and death. The problems caused by climate change pose a huge threat to coral reef ecosystems. Research on a global scale indicates that many coral reefs are experiencing severe degradation and death, reduced biodiversity, and damaged ecological functions. Figure 2 The impact of ocean acidification on coral bleaching phenomenon Therefore, in order to protect and manage coral reef ecosystems, it is crucial to have a deep understanding of the impact of climate change on them. By studying the physiological and ecological effects of coral reefs, we can better understand their response mechanisms and adaptability to climate change. This research can involve the growth rate of corals, the process of bone formation, the interaction between corals and symbiotic algae, and the mechanism of coral bleaching. This paper aims to explore the physiological and ecological effects of ocean acidification on coral reefs and their ecosystems, provide scientific basis for the protection and management of coral reefs, and promote global attention and action on climate change and ocean acidification issues. 1 Overview of Coral Reef Ecosystems 1.1 Key components of coral reef ecosystems The coral reef ecosystem is a complex and diverse ecosystem composed of coral animals, symbiotic algae, other biological populations, and abiotic environmental factors. Coral animals are the core elements of coral reefs, belonging to the class Anthozoa and mainly divided into two categories: hard corals (bony corals) and soft corals (cartilaginous corals). Coral animals have calcareous skeletons that gradually build coral reef structures by secreting calcium. There is an important symbiotic relationship between coral animals and symbiotic algae
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