The Great Barrier Reef The Great Barrier Reef https://www.brainpop.com/science/diversityoflife/coral/

Why is the Coral Reef one of the world’s natural wonders? The Great Barrier Reef is one of the natural wonders of the world. It is home to thousands of species of plants and animals. The reef itself provides food, pearls, treasure from shipwrecks, and tourism.

Natural wonder continued It is of great interest to the scientific and medical communities of the world. Treatments for cancer, AIDS, asthma, arthritis, and other infections are being researched from organisms found in coral reefs.

What value does the reef offer Australia’s economy? The reef is very important to Australia's economy. It provides food and jobs. 80% of the land along the reef supports agriculture - from fisheries to cattle grazing to crops.

Economy continued The reef is a protected beach offers white sand for sparkling turquoise and aqua water for snorkeling, swimming, and surfing.

How is the reef in danger? The reef is in danger. Run-off from land based agriculture, urban development, and aquaculture have all done their part to damage the reef. Oil spills and normal pollution from private boats and thousands of commercial vessels have damaged it.

Danger continued….. Tourists have damaged it. Infestation and disease have damaged it. Rather than use the passageways provided, ships push their way through the reef to save time and money. Sections of the reef are already dead. Other sections are dying.

Nemo humbly requests your help! Great Barrier Reef video: click here

Now it is your turn to research some of Australia’s exotic animals little deeper and answer this PBL investigation:

Exotic Animals of Australia: Problem: How do Australian animal inhabitants survive and adapt to the unique environments?

The kangaroo, one of Australia’s most iconic animals is unique to Australia. Why? Today we are researching some of Australia’s most exotic animals. 

Fun Facts Australia has a huge variety of animals; some 83% of mammals, 89% of reptiles, 24% of fish and insects and 93% of amphibians that inhabit the continent are endemic to Australia. Endemic: a species being unique to a geographic location, such as an island, nation, country or other defined zone, or habitat type. It is not found anywhere else!

1) the continent's long geographic isolation This high level of endemism in Australia can be attributed to: 1) the continent's long geographic isolation 2) tectonic plate stability 3) the effects of an unusual pattern of climate change on the soil and vegetation over geological time.

How does the geography of Australia effect the animal inhabitants? What do you research? How does the geography of Australia effect the animal inhabitants? How has the animal uniquely adapted to this harsh environment? Physically Socially behaviorally Where can you find this animal (map the population density) Does it have other closely related species in other places around the world? Statistics/Fun Facts

Short-beaked echidna Tasmanian Tiger Dugong Sugar Glider

Blue-tongued lizard Emu Spotted Quoll Goanna Lizard

Weedy Sea Dragon It’s a shark! Spotted Wobegong?

More Exotic Animals Hotlink!

Teamwork Break into teams of 4-5 (using your 21st Century Skills) and pick which animal you will research: Koala * Spotted Quoll Kangaroos of Australia *Emu Tasmanian Devil or Tiger *Goanna Lizard Dingo *Blue-tongued lizards Duck Billed Platypus *Short-beaked echidna Animals of the Great Barrier Reef Dugong *Wolf Spider Sugar Glider *Weedy Sea Dragon

Authentic Solution: Communicate your findings! Charts, maps (population density of animal), Pictures (save to flash or folder) Graphs, word webs Bulleted points of information Large paper or PPT slides

Hotlinks: National Geographic Australian Animals Videos sugar gliders, koala, platypus videos echidna link emu pics quoll pics wombat pics Hotlinks: National Geographic Australian Animals Videos