HaydenCoralReefs


 * Coral Reefs **

By: Hayden S

Coral What are Coral Reefs?

-They grow best in sunny, clear, shallow, and warm waters (love sunlight) -Occupy less than 1% of the world ocean surface, but provide a home for 25% of species such as sponges, echinoderms, and fish (4) -Salty water is preferred and few nutrients surround them -Very fragile and sensitive to water temperatures -Bright colors, changing patterns (live coral is colored, dead coral is white) -Provide protection and shelter -Categorized as animals and can be known as hard or soft -Many grow in colonies known as polyps -Grow about a half an inch per year (can vary) -Very diverse and complex ecosystems Fun facts: "Coral Reefs have been used in the treatment of Caner, HIV, cardiovascular diseases, and ulcers" (3) "It is estimated that Coral Reefs provide over $375 million all around the world in goods and services" (3)



National Geographic Video: media type="custom" key="6879289"



Three Types of Coral Reefs: 1. Fringing Reefs: Can grow as shallow water along the shore and can grow all the way up to the shore 2. Barrier Reefs: Grow when a change in sea level is apparent. They grow where the land is sinking faster than the water 3. Atoll Reefs: Surround lagoons, usually near the surface of the water.

Organisms that live in Coral Reefs: (1) -Sponges: -Corals and Anemones -Sea Worm: -Sharks and Ray: -Echinoderm -Crustaceans - Mollusks -Coral Reefs fish -Marine reptiles -Marine mammals -Microscopic organisms: fungi and algae -Benthic Organisms: Sea Anemones, echinoderms, corals, sponges, crustaceans

Food Web: 

Threats to Coral Reefs: Reefs have been at risk. Humans careless attitude towards fragile structures is causing harm, and they are continuing to decline. Threatened by aquarium fish, overuse of resources, climate change, types of fishing, pollution, and several with other factors affect coral reefs habitats. Human are obviously a major factor for the decline in coral reefs over the years. As a major tourist attraction, many of us choose not to take care of them properly. Another major threat to Coral Reefs are the climate changes. If the water happened to decrease temperatures immensely their would definitely be a problem in keeping Corals alive. If any kind of natural disaster happened that might effect it, such as a hurricane, rainy weather, or no sunlight, these Corals and their ecosystems could be in major trouble.



Personal Reflection: Coral Reefs are way overused by humans. As humans, we like to fish and swim around them, but with many careless attitudes we have put Coral Reefs at harm. They are also used as a major tourist attraction. Most people talk of scuba diving and/or snorkeling while on vacation, and these beautiful habitats are what is viewed all over the world. Their decline in number is scary, and if awareness is not spread, the ecosystems of Coral Reefs could be in big trouble. Several animals depend on Coral Reefs for protection and food. With their beautiful shapes and colors, and the abundant supply of fish and other animals, Coral Reefs continue to draw humans near. They are great protection and are useful in providing medicine and food to several animals and organisms.



Works Cited**

1) Knight, J.D. "Reef Life ." //Sea and Sky//. Sea and Sky, 2009. Web. 7 Sept. 2010. . This website helped me discover which organisms live in, near, and around coral reefs.

2) Various Authors. "Coral Reefs ." //Ocean World// . Ocean World, 2004. Web. 8 Sept. 2010. . Used previous days to continue to find information.

3) Various Authors. "Coral Reefs." Solcomhouse. Ozone Hole Inc., 7 Sept. 2010. Web. 7 Sept.  2010. . Great pictures and <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> general facts. This cite contains information from The British Antarctic Study, NASA, <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Environment Canada, UNEP, EPA and other sources.

4) Various Authors. "Coral Reefs." //Wikipedia//. Wikimedia Foundation Inc., 6 Sept. 2010. Web. 7 Sept. 2010. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coral_reef>. I began my research on Coral Reefs on this website to get the main ideas.