Read the excerpt from "Save the Coral Reefs.” Nowadays, the widespread bleaching caused by global warming and pollution occurs in more areas than ever before and irreparably damages the coral. Coral receives most of its oxygen and food from the algae that live in and on the reefs. When the coral becomes stressed by the overheating of the ocean caused by global warming, the algae detach from the reefs, and the reefs lose their main source of sustenance.

Using context clues as a guide, what is the meaning of "irreparably”?

a. severely
b. quickly
c. dramatically
d. permanently