Nemo May Be Permanently Lost Due To Change In Climate
NEMO – One of Disney Pixar’s most beloved characters may be lost again, this time for good, as its mating rituals are threatened by pollution and warming seas.
Scientists have been monitoring the vibrant colored clownfish that live in the anemones for over 10 years. They have been studying them around Kimbe Island in eastern Papua New Guinea.
However, a team from France’s National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) with other scientists found that they were picky with how they choose their mates.
This is because both the anemone and the clownfish heavily rely on coral for their survival. Sadly, their home is now under threat due to warming seas and pollution.
Adding to this, human intrusion, poaching, and other illegal activities further increase this threat. With this, the clownfish may need to adapt quickly.
But, experts say this can be achieved with great difficulty. According to CNRS researchers, the reproductive success of a species is what guarantees its ability to adapt.
Based on a report from ABS-CBN, clownfish have a very particular reproductive cycle. It depends on a stable and gentle environment.
Each anemone houses one female fish, a sexually active male, and several males who are not sexually active. With this, CNRS researcher Benoit Poujol then explained their reproductive cycle.
When the female dies, the male becomes female and the largest of the non-sexually active males became sexually active.
The clownfish does not have the genetic variation which will allow it to modify its reproduction (method) if there are environmental constraints
Benoit Poujol
Adding to this, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warned that under 1.5 degrees Celcius of warming Earth, we would lose at least 70% of the coral reefs. And, under 2 degrees Celcius, it would be wiped out.
Like this article? READ ALSO: 7 Cities In PH That Will Be Submerged In Water By 2085 Due To Climate Change