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Introduction to Coral Reefs Coral reefs are amazing, natural wonders that live in the warm waters of the tropics, providing habitat for thousands of marine.

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Presentation on theme: "Introduction to Coral Reefs Coral reefs are amazing, natural wonders that live in the warm waters of the tropics, providing habitat for thousands of marine."— Presentation transcript:

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2 Introduction to Coral Reefs Coral reefs are amazing, natural wonders that live in the warm waters of the tropics, providing habitat for thousands of marine creatures.

3 Location of Coral Reefs

4 Zooxanthellae Coral polyp Coral colony Corals Coral Reef

5 Corals can build three types of reefs: –Fringing: grows close to shore –Barrier: also grows close to shore but has a lagoon separating it from the shore –Atoll: a ring of coral that surrounds a lagoon, often grows on a submerged mountain or volcano

6 The Great Barrier Reef is the largest system in the world and can be seen from outer space. Corals produce a hard skeleton that forms the actual structure of the reef. Coral reefs have the second highest biodiversity after rainforests. Interesting Coral Reef Facts

7 Why are coral reefs important? Habitat: They are home to 33% of all known fish species. Nursery: And a nursery ground for over 25% of all marine species. Photo by J. Randall Photo by Dee Wescott Photo by MacGillivray Freeman Films

8 Why are coral reefs important? Income: they provide millions of dollars of income annually for people living by coral reefs.Income: they provide millions of dollars of income annually for people living by coral reefs. Medical Research: coral reefs have the potential to be used as medical cures to treat cancer, heart disease, HIV and arthritis among others.Medical Research: coral reefs have the potential to be used as medical cures to treat cancer, heart disease, HIV and arthritis among others. Protection: they protect 20% of the world’s coast from wave erosion. Protection: they protect 20% of the world’s coast from wave erosion. Food: they are a food source for millions of people. Food: they are a food source for millions of people. Tourism: coral reefs attract tourists from all over the world. Tourism: coral reefs attract tourists from all over the world.

9 What is a healthy environment for coral reefs? Sunlight A certain salinity Low nutrient, clear water Water temperature 18-29 ºC Water circulation Photo by MacGillivray Freeman Films

10 What are the man-made threats to coral reefs? Global warming leading to coral bleaching. Runoff of chemicals and nutrients from land Sedimentation. Rubbish including marine debris Overfishing Physical damage from tourists and fishermen Pollution from untreated sewage and oil. An example of coral bleaching.

11 What plants live on coral reefs? Algae - lots of different types!

12 What animals live on the reef? Turtles!

13 Crayfish What animals live on coral reefs?

14 Hard coral What animals live on coral reefs?

15 Giant clams

16 Parrotfish What animals live on coral reefs?

17 Butterflyfish What animals live on coral reefs?

18 Surgeonfish What animals live on coral reefs?

19 Damselfish What animals live on coral reefs?

20 Damselfish including Clownfish, like Nemo! What animals live on coral reefs?

21 Cleaner shrimp What animals live on coral reefs?

22 Sponges

23 Coral Trout What animals live on coral reefs?

24 Sharks What animals live on coral reefs?

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