Which of the following is most susceptible to, and would be most damaged by, sedimentation pollution from deforestation?

Sedimentation pollution, which involves the accumulation of particles such as soil and organic material in water bodies, can critically harm aquatic ecosystems, particularly coral reefs. Coral reefs rely on clear water for photosynthesis and the health of symbiotic algae known as zooxanthellae, which live within coral tissues and provide essential nutrients through photosynthesis.

The Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef system in the world, is especially vulnerable to sedimentation. When deforestation occurs in nearby areas, the soil is often washed into the ocean, creating turbid water conditions that can smother corals, inhibit light penetration, and disrupt the delicate balance of marine life. Excess sediment can also lead to algal blooms that further tie up nutrients and oxygen, resulting in deterioration of water quality and leading to coral bleaching and increased mortality rates among coral species.

While other options may be affected by sedimentation, such as ecosystems within the Amazon Rainforest, the high sensitivity and unique ecological requirements of the corals in the Great Barrier Reef make it the most at risk from sedimentation pollution stemming from deforestation activities on land.