What Coral Reef Facts Can I Learn Here?
Our website explores many key aspects of the structure, ecology, and marine life of these unique marine environments. It was written by a professional marine biologist and educator, and is aimed at readers of all ages.
This site is organized around two major areas of interest:
1. Basic Coral Reef Facts
This section answers the most basic questions about coral reefs, such as:
What is a coral reef?. What is a coral reef composed of, and what distinguishes coral reefs from other oceanic structures that may appear superficially similar?
Where are coral reefs found? What are the three main regions of coral reef developement on our plant, and how do they differ?
How are coral reefs formed? What are the main processes involved in the building of coral reefs?
What are the main types of reefs? The three major coral reef types recognized by most scientists (atolls, barrier reefs, and fringing reefs) are defined and contrasted.
What is the coral reef biome? What distinctive biological communities and environmental requirements distinguish coral reef ecosystems from the Earth's other marine biomes?
2. Coral Reef Life
This section provides basic information about the main kinds of living things that make up the coral reef community, including:
Plants The main kinds of marine plants and algae that serve as major sources of primary production and/or major structural elements of habitats on coral reefs
Fishes An overview of the diversity and adaptations of the thousands of kinds of fishes that inhabit coral reefs
Other Reef Animals An introduction to the major classes of invertebrate and vertebrate animals that inhabit coral reefs
The Reef Food Web An overview of energy flow and feeding relationships on coral reefs
Explore Coral Reefs With Us
Coral reefs are experiencing a rapid decline in ecosystem health in most locations in which they once thrived. Much of this problem is the direct or indirect result of human activities. We all need to better understand the nature and importance of these vital marine resources if we are to act to prevent further decline and assist in coral reef recovery efforts.
Our website has been thoughtfully designed and constructed to furnish visitors with a host of authoritative, plain-and-simple coral reef facts that can serve as a guide to the world of the reef.
The information offered here provides a solid foundation that will allow you to better understand and explore these amazing ecosystems and the great variety of marine life they support.
We hope you will take the time to explore all that our website has to offer, and return often.
