Coral reefs are ideal breeding grounds for a variety of fish and sea creatures, and coral is considered a foundation species. Unfortunately, coral reefs are fragile ecosystems and are easily disrupted. Because coral contain calcium carbonate deposits, one situation poses a growing threat to coral as well as the many organisms that are dependent on them. That situation is

Athe disappearance of certain species of fish due to overfishing.

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Bthe deposition of calcium on the reefs, due to the leaching of calcium from dead organisms.

Cover exposure to sunlight due to the relatively shallow nature of the ocean around the reefs.

Dacidification of the ocean caused by increased atmospheric carbon dioxide emissions that dissolve in water.