027
Published on Nov 19, 2015
No Description
MORE DECKS TO EXPLORE
PRESENTATION OUTLINE
THE GREAT BARRIER REEF
By Madhavan Krishnan and Matthew Chi
Introduction
The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef in the world. It is one of the most interesting ecosystems in the entire world. Home to diverse marine life of the most vivid colors, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest living thing visible from space, although the organisms living in the reef are seriously threatened by climate change.
Organisms
The Great Barrier Reef supports a vast array of life forms. The most important organisms are the coral, thus the name "coral reef". Many species such as dolphin, humpback whales, and over 1,500 species of fish live in the reef. Saltwater crocodiles live in mangroves and marshes on the coast of the reef. The Great Barrier Reef is completely vital to the survival of many of these endangered species.
Animal Adaptations
Many animals have adapted to life in the Great Barrier Reef. One example of an animal that has adapted are the fish that live in the reef. Fish that live in the Great Barrier Reef usually have flatter bodies so that they can maneuver through the coral easily. Fish in the reef are also more colorful than others to help with camouflage and mating. Animals such as coral have developed poison in them to protect them from their natural predators.
Why should we care?
Many organisms living in the Great Barrier Reef are endangered or are predicted to become endangered due to climate change. These organisms need to be protected, especially coral. Coral thrives only in a certain heat and salinity level of water. If the heat level and salinity level go up or down dramatically, the coral; the base of the ecosystem could die off. We need to protect the biodiversity of the planet and we need to protect the Earth. The Great Barrier Reef is a natural wonder, and it needs to stay like that for generations to come.
What is the solution?
One of the easiest ways we can stop the degradation of the Great Barrier Reef is to use less devices and appliances that produce carbon emissions. These things let out carbon, which is a major part of global warming. Global warming causes the oceans to get warmer, which causes the base of the ecosystem, coral, to die off.
We could also pollute less, which can protect the animals that live in the Great Barrier Reef from dying.
THANK YOU FOR WATCHING!
I hope you learned about the Great Barrier Reef.
