- Published on October 2, 2012
- The Los Angeles Times
- http://www.latimes.com/news/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-great-barrier-reef-under-grave-threat-researchers-say-20121002,0,1421691.story
Who would have thought that small, little, and innocent creatures would cause harm? No one, simply because it was not expected. Starfishes, small, star shaped sea creatures, have been behind the destruction of the Great Barrier Reef. These predators are attacking and feeding off of sea life. The Great Barrier Reef, located in Australia, is one of the natural attractions that shows tourists or anyone the beauty of the sea and its creatures. Though lately, it has been odd to see that the corals have been disappearing. Who is to blame now? Not only the starfish, but the people as well.
For years now, people have been warning each other about global warming. One of the reasons for the destruction of this natural attraction, is because of global warming. Maybe if we treated our planet the right way, then global warming would not happen and would not affect The Great Barrier Reef. This goes to show how much of an influence global warming has on Earth. It continues to affect the temperatures in the water and the cyclones, which are added as reasons to the continuous destruction of The Great Barrier Reef.
Since starfishes are the main reason as to why the Great Barrier Reef is being ruined, scientists believe controlling them would be the first step into saving the Great Barrier Reef. Though it is also our job, as people, to take action; start with small steps and help make our environment a better place, to not only save humanity, but other organisms as well.
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is located in an area where tourists travel to enjoy the site of clearwater beaches, and relax on a hammock with a cool drink in their hand, watching the beautiful sunset. It is our job, as human beings, to stop global warming and cherish the wonderful sites that have been created, natural or manmade. Also, the little critters, like the starfish need to stop endangering their environment, because that is its habitat,and it is where the starfish will live for the rest of its life. The Great Barrier Reef is a "Wonder" that should be preserved.
ReplyDeleteUntil today, I would never have imagined that a cute, pretty starfish could be referred to as a "predator" and could cause so much damage!They definitely need to be brought under control. I agree with your statement that as humans, it is our responsibility to help make the world at a better place one small step at a time. (A step as small as starfish)
ReplyDeleteIt is shocking to hear that these cute and innocent-looking creatures could be such a harm to The Great Barrier Reef. I agree with the fact that most people have been complaining about how terrible global warming has become, yet they do not take any action. However, it would be easier to take care of the starfish situation in the beginning, rather than the global warming. Marine biologists should also research other sea creatures to see whether or not starfish are the only ones causing this harm.
ReplyDeleteStarfish and global warming are certainly an odd combination, yet it seems they can be factors that lead to the gradual destruction of The Great Barrier Reef. The preservation of the world's natural wonders stands as the responsibility of all people. If the destruction of this reef is bothersome or unacceptable to the society, then they must take actions to help the environment of our planet. When an organism fights for survival, it usually involves harming a different organism; in that sense, the starfish are not to blame for this occurrence, because they are following their natural instincts for survival. As a society who has recognized the harm that the starfish are causing to the reef, the marine scientists, in Australia, should take matters into their own hands and safely extract the harmless-looking organisms from the reef. The starfish can be placed in a safe environment, away from a beautiful site that is cherished by people. As humans, all of us must take initiative to be productive and positively affect the nature on Earth.
ReplyDeleteI am on the fence when deciding whether this is actually our fault as human beings. Ever since the controversy of Global Warming has come about, I have been a skeptic. Nevertheless, the extinction of The Great Barrier Reef does not concern me one bit. As Charles Darwin has stated, evolution takes place on this planet, Earth, in multiple areas; and this may be one example of it. The star fish and sea creatures may be attacking and feeding off of this life, in order to survive and be part of the dominant thriving creatures, which implicitly supports the credibility of Charles Darwin's survival of the fittest theory. However, your opinion is certainly respected and commended. Great job, Talar!
ReplyDeleteTo me, the ocean is one of the most amazing mysteries of the world. The ocean is so vast and deep that there are things in there that we are not aware of, and will probably never discover. Because there is not much we know about the ocean, I believe in what you're saying Talar. We should try to preserve and protect the life that we do know about that is under the sea.
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