Natural processes, such as earthquakes and storms, pose a greater threat to coral reefs than human-induced threats like pollution.

The assertion is that natural processes like earthquakes and storms pose a greater threat to coral reefs than human-induced threats such as pollution. The correct choice indicates that this statement is incorrect because the evidence currently shows that human activities significantly exacerbate the threats facing coral reefs.

While natural events can cause immediate and sometimes severe damage to coral reefs, such as through physical destruction or changes in water conditions, the ongoing impact of human-induced factors tends to be more pervasive and insidious. Pollution, overfishing, and climate change lead to problems such as coral bleaching, habitat degradation, and increased susceptibility to disease and invasive species. These human activities often result in long-term consequences that can weaken coral reefs and disrupt their ecological functions.

In recent studies, it has become increasingly clear that the cumulative effects of human actions often result in damage and decline that can outpace the natural recovery abilities of coral ecosystems. Therefore, while natural disasters can cause substantial short-term damage, the persistent and widespread effects of human-induced threats ultimately present a more significant and ongoing risk to the health and sustainability of coral reefs.