Biology of Coral Reefs (Outline)

This discussion topic submitted by Marcia Kadow ( kadowm@yahoo.com) at 6:14 pm on 3/28/01. Additions were last made on Saturday, May 4, 2002.

Topic:
The "Biology of Coral Reefs" will give the basic information on corals: anatomy, diet, habitat, and adaptations. Included will be information on some of the other biota of the reef ecosystem. Coral reefs are an exciting animal to see in all its color, shape, and habitat. The information could be adapted as an introductory lesson into tropical marine ecology.

Outline:
I. Living Treasures of the Sea
II. Biology of Coral
A. Anatomy and Physiology
B. Diet and Eating Mechanism
C. Adaptations for the Aquatic Environment
D. Reproduction
E. Habitat and Distribution
III. Geological History and Formation
IV. Reef Ecosystem
A. Biota of the Reef
B. Longevity and Causes of Death
V. Conservation: The Delicate World

References:
1. Bright, T.J. and L.H. Pequegnant. 1974. Biota of the Western Flower Garden Bank. Corals pg. 116-139. Gulf Publishing Co., Houston, Texas.

2. Cerullo, M.M. and J.L. Rotman. 1996. Coral reef: the city that never sleeps. Cobblehill Books, New York.

3. Greenberg, J. and I. Greenberg. 1980. The living reef. Seahawk Press, Miami, Florida.

4. Jones, O.A. and R. Endean. 1973. Biology and geology of coral reefs, Vol. I. Carribean coral reefs pg. 1-33. Academic Press, New York.

5. Jones, O.A. and R. Endean. 1973. Biology and geology of coral reefs, Vol. II. Nutrition of corals pg. 77-116. Academic Press, New York.

6. SeaWorld/Busch Gardens Animal Information Database. 2000. Available: http://www.seaworld.org/coral_reefs/sciclasser.html

7. Stoddart, D. and R. Johannes. 1978. Coral reefs: research methods. UNESCO, United Kingdom.

8. Wood, Dr. E.M. 1983. Corals of the world. T.F.H. Publishing, Inc., Ltd. Neptune City, New Jersey.


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It is 9:26:28 AM on Friday, May 9, 2008. Last Update: Saturday, May 4, 2002