Can computers help save this endangered habitat? Live from Australia, it's the Great Barrier Reef. Scientists are using special sensors, known as digital skins, to monitor changes in this underwater treasure. The sensors are devices that record changes in the ocean and send up-to-the- minute information to computers. Until now, scientists were able to monitor changes only after they had occurred. Scientists hope the new information will help them learn how to better care for coral reefs. Coral reefs around the world are in trouble. Fishing nets and ships damage the reefs and break off sections of them. Natural disasters and pollution are also doing harm. At the same time, warmer sea temperatures cause the coral to die. Although coral may look like a plant, it is actually made up of tiny sea animals called polyps. As polyps die, they leave behind hard shells. Other polyps grow on top of the shells. Over many years, the polyps form coral reefs. Coral reefs play a very important role in ocean life. They supply food and shelter to thousands of different types of ocean creatures living in and around the reefs. People also depend on coral reefs for jobs, food, and medicine to treat diseases. "Coral reefs are incredibly threatened," said Rick MacPherson of California's Coral Reef Alliance to Weekly Reader. He also stressed that they require, now more than ever, that people pay attention and work toward protecting them. Question 4 1 Point What is the meaning of coral reefs for the ocean life? A they help people treat diseases. B they help prevent natural disasters and pollution. C they provide ocean inhabitants with food and home