What is a coral reef? What is coral bleaching?

See brief video to find out.

CoralReefs

Functions of Coral Reefs: Coral reefs are important for many different reasons aside from supposedly containing the most diverse ecosystems on the planet.

Importance:

protect coastlines from the damaging effects of wave action and tropical storms

Importance:

provide habitats and shelter for many marine organisms

Importance:

the source of nitrogen and other essential nutrients for marine food chains

Importance:

assist in carbon and nitrogen fixing and help with nutrient recycling.

Importance:

They are also are a source of food and new medicines. Over half a billion people depend on reefs for food, income, and protection.

Coral Reefs Gizmo

Go to:

www.explorelearning.com

to learn more about abiotic and biotic factors influence on coral reefs. Click on: Coral Reefs 1 and complete part B.