Coral Reefs

1
Coral Reefs

• By Brittany
• 4/15/08

2
What is a coral reef?

• A coral reef is a reef that is composed mainly of
  coral and other organic matter of which parts
  have solidified into limestone. The resulting
  structure provides a critical habitat for a wide
  variety of fish and marine invertebrates. Coral
  reefs also protect shores against erosion by
  causing large waves to break and lose some of
  their force before reaching land.

3
Which is the biggest?

• The Great Barrier Reef off the northeastern coast
  of Australia extends for some 2,000 km (1,240
  mi), making it the world's largest coral reef.

4
Why are we worried?

• A lot of organizations are worried about coral
  reefs around the world for many reasons! One is
  because of oil spills that can wipe out a whole
  reef!
• Coastal development
• Overfishing
• Global climate change.

5
Is there more than one?

• There are actually three different types of
  reefs!
• Barrier reefs- Barrier reefs grow parallel to
  the shoreline. They are separated by water from
  the mainland. Fringing reefs- Fringing reefs are
  permanent with the landmass
• Atolls- Atolls are islands. These are made of
  coral surrounding a central lagoon.

6
FAST FACT

• Did you know that reefs provide humans with a
  wide variety of medical resources. Chemical
  compounds found in reefs provide chemicals used
  in antibiotics. Medicines are made from these
  chemicals to treat heart disease, asthma,
  leukemia and more.

7
Just Kidding!! FAST FACT!!

• Did you know that reefs provide humans with a
  wide variety of medical resources. Chemical
  compounds found in reefs provide chemicals used
  in antibiotics. Medicines are made from these
  chemicals to treat heart disease, asthma,
  leukemia and more.

8
Plants and Animals

• Over 3,000 species can live on one reef.
• Reefs are also home to 25 of all marine life!!

9
What you can do!

• To help coral reefs therere many things you can
  do just around your house!
• Recycle
• Ride your bike as often as possible to help
  prevent oil spills!
• Make sure not to litter, especially by water
  because fish can get caught in it and die!

10
POP QUIZ!!!

• What is the biggest reef in the worlds name?
  (answer to yourself!!)

The Great Barrier Reef!!
Which of the following do reefs provide? (pick a,
b, c, or d!) A. Jewelry B. Snacks C. Medicines D.
Lotions
11
Helpful Recourses

• Cool facts
• More Facts
• Interesting pics

• 25 things you can do to help Coral Reefs
• Fun Trivia Games