In this article scientist take a very interesting approach to researching the many different causes of Coral depletion. The main focus is on the viral disease, herpes. Researchers are exploring the effects that this viral disease may have on our ecosystem. Corals are one of the oldest animal life-forms. Corals from different ecosystems have shown similar signs of various diseases, in particular herpes. This type of herpes is similar, but not identical to human herpes. Herpes viruses make up the majority of the viruses found in corals today. One third of all corals around the world are threatened with extinction. Due to the amount of time that corals have existed and the amount of time that the herpes viruses have been discovered, scientists believe that the herpes virus and the corals may have actually evolved together over time.
Despite the fact that the herpes virus that is attacking our corals is slightly different from the human form of the virus herpes, humans have contributed to the exposure of herpes to corals plants. Just as sunscreen from humans contributes to the buildup that corrupts our corals so are the viruses that drastically affect our corals. Scientists are able to view this build on corals as a type of mucus that carries human viruses. All in all it is interesting to see the ways that all environments are intermingled with one another. Who would have thought of the fact that viruses that attack humans are similar or equal to the viruses that are affecting the longevity of sea life plants and animals?
Oregon State University (2012, March 28). Viral disease -- particularly from herpes -- gaining interest as possible cause of coral decline. ScienceDaily. Retrieved April 2, 2012, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2012/03/120328090941.htm
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