A Look at a Marine Biome Created by Created by Terri Street Terri Street The Coral Reef Biome

What Is a Coral Reef? A structure formed by coral polyps, tiny animals that live in colonies. Coral polyps form a hard, stony, branching structure made of limestone. New polyps attach to old coral and gradually build the reef.

Types of Coral Reefs Fringing reefs Submerged platforms of living coral extending from the shore into the sea Barrier reefs Follow the shore but are separated from it by water Great Barrier Reef is world’s largest

Types of Coral Reefs Atolls Ring-shaped islands of coral in open sea Form on submerged mud banks or volcano craters Surround a seawater lagoon Channels connect lagoon to the sea

A World of Coral Reefs = Coral Reef

Coral Reef Climate Usually found near land in shallow, warm salt water Lots of light Tropical temperatures, averaging 70°- 85° F Most coral cannot survive below 65° F

Coral Reef Plants AlgaeGreenRed Brown algae takes many forms

World’s largest coral reef Over 1257 miles long Off the northeast coast of Australia Only grows about one inch per year Fascinating Fact: The Great Barrier Reef

1500 species of fish species 400 different types of coral 4,000 mollusks 500 species of seaweed 215 species of birds 16 species of sea snake 6 species of sea turtle Whales visit during winter The Great Barrier Reef: Home to…

Coral Reef Creatures Tropical fish Angel fish John Dory Butterfly fish Sea horse Octopus Reef shark Sea horse Octopus Reef shark

Endangered Coral Reefs Major threats to coral reefs include: Ocean pollution Dredging off the coast Dynamite Fishing- not only kills fish, but also coral Coral Bleaching- caused by global warming- the high temperatures kills the organisms that provide the coral with nutrients

Endangered Coral Reefs Other dangers: Careless collection of coral specimens Sedimentation Inhibits growth of coral polyps Inhibits growth of coral polyps Inhibits algae growth Inhibits algae growth Upsets balance of the biome Upsets balance of the biome

Bibliography es/home.htm es/home.htm es/home.htm 5. “Coral Reefs.” World Book. Chicago: World Book, Vol. 4, p “Coral Reefs.”