Looking back tens of millions of years, scientists are taking lessons from the past as a means to save the current reef habitats. Interaction between corals and reef fish is something that developed relatively recently, and according to Professor David Bellwood of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies and James Cook University, it’s this relationship that may shield reef species from extinction.
“Our latest research provides strong evidence for a view that today’s coral hotspots are both a refuge for old species and a cradle for new ones,” said Peter Cowman, lead author of a recent report. “This is the first real inkling we’ve had that just protecting a large area of reef may not be enough – you have to protect the right sorts of reef.”
