Post on 16-Feb-2016
description
Coral Reef Project
Background Info.
• Importance/ Contributions?– Shoreline Protection• Erosion• Storm Damage
– Food Sources• To coastal communities
– Opportunities• Recreational• Economical
Background
• How do Coral Reefs benefit everyone?– Great BIODIVERSITY• Can provide medical options • Many invertebrates produce potent chemicals
Background
• Possibilities for Chemical Production– Sessile• Need protection from predators
– Many are filter feeders• Fight off parasites and pathogen
So…..if they produce these chemicals that fight off foreign agents….can they work for us??
Background cont.
• Threatened by Human Activities– Examples:
• Result– Symbiotic algae (Zooxanthelle) are expelled• CORAL BLEACHING
Background
• What’s been done?
– Coral Reef Task Force (CRTF)• Conservation Movement
First Task
• Work in Groups
• Coral Reef Tutorials– www.oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/kits/corals
– Summarize/ Extract Main Idea from each Topic/ Tutorial
Assignment
• Investigate possible explanations for Zooxanthelle expulsion by corals
• Prepare a written report outlining at least one hypothesis that explains this behavior.
• Be sure to explain:– Symbiotic relationship b/w corals and zooxanthelle– How corals obtain zooxanthelle– How environmental stress may alter their symbiosis– How this personally affects us
Starting Point
• http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/kits/corals/supp_coral_roadmap.html
• http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/corp_site/info_services/publications/reef_research/issue2_98/2rmnl.html
• http://www.oneocean.org/overseas/200009/coral_bleaching_the_hows_and_whys_and_whats_next.html
Part 2
• Prepare a “Public Service Announcement”– Benefits of– Danger to them– Ways to help– How does this personally affect us?