Transcript The Ocean`s Ecosystems…

The Coral Reef Ecosystem…
Why is it important?
What do you know about
coral reefs?
Is a coral reef alive??
YES!
o A coral reef is
actually made up of
MILLIONS of coral
polyps stuck
together
o Coral polyps are
shaped like a tube
and have a
stomach, mouth &
tentacles
What types of plants and animals
call the coral reef their home?
Did you know…
 Coral reefs are one of the oldest
ecosystems on Earth
 There are almost a million fish and other
species that depend on coral reefs for
survival
 500 million people rely on coral reefs for
their food and extracurricular activities
 Coral reefs have been used in the
treatment of cancer, heart disease and
HIV
Did you also know that coral
reefs are…
ENDANGERED!!
What is causing destruction to the
coral reefs??
Global warming
Excessive fishing using inhumane
fishing methods
Scuba divers and their equipment
Pollution from oil spills, pesticide
runoff, sewage and sediment (from
construction)
If the present rate of
destruction continues, 70%
of the world’s coral reefs
will be destroyed by the
year 2050…
What would life be like if
the coral reefs were
completely destroyed?
Is there anything we can do
to help??
Works Cited
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www.coralsea.net
www.cynical-c.com
www.filedudes.com
www.reefsaltwataquarium.com
www.nature.org
www.sciencedaily.com