Tiny Hairs That Help Corals Breathe May Malfunction in Warming Oceans
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Biotechnology & health research· Prelims·
Marine biology and climate change: a GS3 study on coral physiology and thermal thresholds.
Why in news
A May 2026 Science study revealed that coral cilia, which circulate oxygen, can malfunction and cause suffocation in corals when water temperatures exceed 39°C.
Background
Corals use hairlike cilia to generate water vortices for oxygen circulation and sediment removal, especially at night when photosynthesis stops. Research led by Cesar Pacherres and Michael Kühl shows that while corals increase ciliary activity in warmer water, they die if temperatures surpass 39°C.
Facts for Prelims
- EnvironmentCoral cilia: Microscopic hairlike structures that generate vortices to circulate oxygen to coral tissues.
- FactCritical temperature threshold: Corals may die if water temperatures exceed 39°C due to ciliary malfunction.
- S&TOxygen source: Corals rely on symbiotic algae for oxygen during the day and water circulation via cilia at night.
Prelims practice question
What is the critical temperature threshold above which coral cilia may malfunction and cause coral suffocation?
- (a)42°C
- (b)32°C
- (c)39°C
- (d)35°C
Show answer
Answer: (c) 39°C — The study reveals that corals may die if water temperatures surpass 39°C due to ciliary malfunction.
For Mains
Q. Discuss how rising ocean temperatures impact coral reef physiology and the subsequent implications for marine biodiversity and coastal ecosystems.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Physiological bottleneck: Ciliary oxygen consumption exceeding absorption rates at high temperatures
- Ecosystem collapse: Correlation between ciliary malfunction, coral bleaching, and mass die-offs
Keywords: Coral Bleaching · Marine Biology · Climate Change · Ocean Acidification · Hydrodynamics
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