Aims: to be able to map the location of the world’s coral reefs to be able to accurately describe their location, using exam technique to know the values of a coral reef (what they provide) to be able to recall facts about the Great Barrier Reef

1.Why are coral reefs found near the surface? 2.How many different species are found in coral reefs? 3.Why are coral reefs described as the “Rainforests of the ocean”?

Using the map below, shade the areas of the world, on your blank map, where you find coral reefs. Don’t forget to give your map a title, add the equator and add a key!

Study your map showing the location of coral reefs. Identify the main areas where coral reefs occur. (3 marks) Basic answers (0-1 mark) Names only one or two areas, or are very imprecise, writing things like ‘there is a lot in the centre of the map. Good answers (2 marks) Correctly identify Pacific Ocean and Asia as named locations Excellent answers (3 marks) Also provide more specific details of locations (naming Indonesia, Philippines, Caribbean, Sri Lanka etc) as well as using direction for larger countries such as North east Australia Answering exam questions

The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest reef system composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching for over 2,600 kilometres over an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometres The reef is located in the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland in northeast Australia. This reef supports a wide diversity of life, and was selected as a World Heritage Site in The Great Barrier Reef supports a diversity of life, including many vulnerable or endangered species, some of which may be endemic to the reef system. Over 1500 species of fish live on the Great Barrier Reef, representing 10% of world fish species. The Great Barrier Reef is a nesting ground for endangered species like green and loggerhead turtles and a breeding ground for humpback whales.

Exploitation for fishing 4000 species of fish provide food 25% of world’s commercial fish catch comes from coral reefs Shoreline protection Provide protection from storms, tsunami and wave erosion. Can grow with rising sea levels, protect against climate change Aquarium trade Supply tropical fish, sea horses and plants for our fish tanks! Tourism Magnet for world’s tourists Countries in the Caribbean get over half their income from reef tourism Education and research Learn about marine life Other uses Medicine source To make decorative objects such as jewellery A source of lime for cement and building

Find 3-4 pictures that show the value of the coral reef. Produce an A3 colour poster that illustrates the reef’s value.