Coral Reefs

By: Paniz & Shahad

Coral ReefsFor the last 25 million years, coral reefs are

important on The Earth. Often a mystery, coral reefs were called an animal, a plant animal or a plant. Corals are actually a combination of plant and animal life. It contains microscopic structures of plants known as algae.

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/coral-reefs-coral-plants-and-animals.html

Coral reef locations

Coral reefs environmental conditionsCoral reefs are usually 20-28 degrees Celsius.

Coral reefs can drop down to 6000 meters or could be less.

PlantsCoral reefs are the most diverse and beautiful of all

marine habitats. The main types of plants that are found in the coral reef are basically algae and sea grasses.

These are the most important elements in the entire reef ecosystem. The algae can be many different sizes.

They can be simple plants such as the common known seaweed. These provide food to the corals through photosynthesis

http://life.bio.sunysb.edu/marinebio/coralreef.html

Types of PlantsAlgae has two different types:

Coralline Algae:These spread out in thin layers over the surface. They are made of masses of very fine thread and these filaments produce calcium carbonate, which in turn gives these algae a rock. Calcareous Algae:These produce calcium carbonate (limestone). The limestone in turn makes the sand that is found on the beaches.

http://life.bio.sunysb.edu/marinebio/coralreef.html

Coral reefs house at least 25% of life in the ocean. Animals use these as a shelter and these also are a prime source of food for them. Corals are mainly associated with sea anemones, sea jellies, sea urchins, sponges, worms, rays, lobsters, snails etc. Corals are themselves seen in colors like blue or brown. This leads to pigmentation, which in turn gives the color to the corals.http://www.buzzle.com/articles/coral-reefs-coral-plants-and-animals.html

Coral Reef Animals

LIST OF ANIMALSThere are:Fish:SardinesLing codClownfishSharkReptiles:Sea turtlesSea snakesMarine iguanaCrocodile

LIST OF ANIMALSMammal:SealsWalrusSea lionsSea otterPolar bearBirds: GullsAlbatrossPenguin

Coral Reef Pollution Humans are the biggest threat to the

coral reef. Because of pollution, boat traffic, and aggressive fishing.

Coral reefs are now considered in danger and are protected under the Great Barrier Reef in an Australia- based institution

Coral is in fact a very delicate organism, adapted to survive in nutrient-poor waters, but it does not tolerate environmental changes well

http://www.wisegeek.com/topics/coral-reef-pollution.htm

More about Coral Reefs Coral Reefs are the "Rainforests" of the ocean.

Reefs are important ecosystems. They are a source of food and medicine, and they protect the coast from wave erosion. http://www.solcomhouse.com/coralreef.htm

  Coral are very ancient animals that evolved into reef-

building forms over the last 25 million years. Only tropical rainforests might provide homes for more species of plant and animal life. Even though they cover only a small fraction (less than .2 percent) of the ocean's bottom, coral reefs contain more than 25 percent of all marine life. http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/coralreef/CRcoralreefs.html

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