5 New Species of Black Corals Found in a Great Barrier Reef Australia | UPSC

New Species of Black Corals found in Great Barrier Reef. The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system Off the east coast of the Queensland mainland, Australia. It is composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 2,300 KM. It can be the New UPSC 2023 Question of your exam. Watch Video below by UPSC study Exam Preparation channel explains 5 New Black Corals in Hindi.

The Baby Corals born percentage has been dropped drastically in 2018 and scientists are describing it as the early stage of a "huge natural selection event unfolding. Many of the mature breeding adults died in the bleaching events of 2016-17 leading to low coral birth rates. The Types of Corals reporduced also changed over the time. Climate change, Pollution, crown-of-thorns starfish and fishing are the primary threats to the health of this reef system.

The Scientists of USA found 5 new Species of Black Corals living thousands of feet below the ocean surface near the great barrier reef. The Scientists have used a remote-controlled submarine and found that 5 new species of black corals living as deep as 2500 feet below the surface in great barrier reef.

Black Corals can be found growing in Shallow Waters and down to depth of over 2600 feet and some individual corals can live for over 4000 years. Some of the corals are branched and look like feathers, bushes or fans and many of them are straight like a whip. They rely on the Sun and photosynthesis for energy. 

The Researcher first sent a Robot Down to these deep water Ecosystem allowing them to collect in their natural habitats. Over the course of 31 dives they have collected 60 black coral specimens. They have examined their physical features and sequenced their DNA. Among the many interesting specimens were five new species – including one that was found growing on the shell of a nautilus more than 2,500 feet (760 metres) below the ocean’s surface.

5 New Special of Black Corals Found | Explained in Hindi (watch video)

Similarly to shallow-water corals that build colourful reefs full of fish, black corals act as important habitats where fish and invertebrates feed and hide from predators in what is otherwise a mostly barren sea floor.

For example, a single black coral colony researchers collected in 2005 off the coast of California, United States, was home to 2,554 individual invertebrates.

So, if you are preparing for your UPSC or another government exam you can bookmark this question or research study for your reference.