Eitrean coral reefs show evolutionary ability to deal with high temperatures

Are coral reefs doomed thanks to global warming? Many reefs have been in decline in recent years due to higher water temperatures. However, the evidence is clouded because heavy pollution in these areas is also a factor.

Now, in Eitrea near the Red Sea, corals have been seen evolving to thrive in these temperatures. They can survive in waters from 90 to 98degF, similar temperatures to what we anticipate from global warming.

Scientists are planning to reseed reefs killed or injured by warming with the newly evolved corals.

Filed under: coral reefs, environment, and evolution