Read the text below. For questions (23-32) choose the correct answer (A, B, C or D).

Coral Reef Conservation

Our survival depends (23) ________ upon the health of our global ecosystems. Coral (24) ________ only about 0.2 percent of the Earth’s surface, yet coral reefs support 25 percent of all marine life with more (25) ________ of life in reefs than any in other ocean habitat.

In the very near future, many coral reefs may stop existing. Coral reefs around the world are being impacted at an alarming (26) ________ . Globally, coral reefs experience rising ocean temperatures. Locally, reefs (27) ________ many other threats from tourism to building wastes, further compounding their degradation.

Human life is affected largely by the soundness of our world’s coral reef. Coral (28) ________ over 30 billion dollars to the world economy each year. New strains of antibiotics are emerging from coral reef studies to help (29) ________ diseases. Coral reefs help drive our weather and provide (30) ________ protection for human homes and cities, buffering areas from potentially damaging storms and ocean swells.

Coral reefs are in (31) ________ and need our help. Coral is damaged when tourism goes unchecked and snorkelers or divers are not educated about how to treat reefs. Many of these threats can be prevented (32) ________ communication and education, but people continue to harm coral reefs worldwide.