The large-scale growth of coral reefs millions of years ago was largely triggered by multiple factors, including:
-
Geological Activity: The movement of tectonic plates and the formation of shallow marine environments created conditions suitable for coral growth.
-
Climate Changes: Warm ocean temperatures during the Mesozoic Era, particularly in the Cretaceous period, favored the proliferation of corals.
-
Increased Oceanic Calcium Carbonate Levels: An increase in calcium and carbonate ions in the oceans facilitated coral calcification processes.
-
Evolutionary Developments: The evolution of new coral species and symbiotic relationships with zooxanthellae (photosynthetic algae) allowed corals to thrive in diverse environments.
These factors combined led to significant expansions of coral reef habitats during various geological periods. Would you like more details on any specific aspect?
1 answer