1. Coral Reef Ecology By: Tori Roman

2. Personal Experience Summer of 2013 – Vacation in Dominican Republic Spontaneous idea to take a scuba dive tour Inform on the origins, species, and conditions of coral reefs all over the world

3. Origins Coral reefs exist from Caribbean Sea to the Indian Ocean, Great Barrier Reef, Red Sea, Pacific Ocean, etc. Serve as a home to over 9 million different species Calcium Carbonate + Corals = Stony Corals Biggest reef: Great Barrier that extends for 1,500 miles

4. Species Again around 9 million species, and scientists estimate there to be another 5 million species to be discovered Species are grouped by vertebrates (with a backbone) and invertebrates (without a backbone)

5. Vertebrates Fish(es) Sea Snakes Dugongs and Manatees Sea Turtles

6. Invertebrates Corals Sponges Echinoderms Crustaceans Mollusks

7. Conditions NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program o Only 46% of the world’s reefs are considered healthy o Lost 20% of the world’s original coral reef areas Damaged by waste from urban life such as sewage, oil spillage, and agrochemicals Overfishing also threatens the food chain and endangerment of species in coral reefs

8. Conditions Natural causes for destruction of coral reefs are global warming and climate change Global Warming: leads to an increase in coral bleaching Climate: corals cannot survive in temperatures that drastically vary (cold or hot) Scientists hope to put more laws and rules to further protect coral reef ecology

9. Conclusion Coral reef ecology is full of wonders, beauty, and mystery. Originating from small carbon fibers and corals, to grow into vast and long environments filled with millions of species and half of the world’s reefs still remain in full health. And maybe one day, if you haven’t already, will be able to experience the true marvels of the coral reefs as I only did.

10. Works Cited "Coral Reef Animals." Coral Reef Facts. William Alevizon, 2010. Web. 19 Oct. 2014.. "Coral Reef: Ecology." WWF Global. WWF Web Team, n.d. Web. 16 Oct. 2014.. "Coral Reefs." WWF Global. WWF Web Team, n.d. Web. 17 Oct. 2014.. "Habitats: Coral Reefs - Location/Reef Life." Office of Naval Research. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Oct. 2014.. Kids Do Ecology. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Oct. 2014.. "Species on Coral Reefs." Microdocs. Microdocs Project, n.d. Web. 17 Oct. 2014.. "Status of Corals." NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program. National Ocean Service, n.d. Web. 19 Oct. 2014..