Coral reefs are important to our oceans ecosystem because they provide homes and food to thousands of marine animals and protect shorelines from wave action, preventing erosion. They also take carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and produce oxygen. Coral reefs are currently in danger due to global warming. The rising water temperatures are causing coral bleaching, which is when the corals expel the algae that live inside the coral tissue, causing the coral to turn white. Coral that remains in this state for too long will die. I made this poster because I love the beauty and diversity contained within the coral reefs. Each one is unique with some of the most beautiful and colorful fish calling the vibrant coral home. If the reefs die, many of the other beautiful marine animals will die with them. Coral reefs are the most diverse ecosystems in the ocean. It would be a shame if we lose them.