Coral Reef BiomeCoral Reef Biome

Zan Wong

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ClimateClimate

In a coral reef, the temperature varies depending on what part of the reef you go to. Temperatures generally range from 18 to 30 degrees Celsius.

LocationLocation

Coral reefs can be located between 23°N and 23°S of the Equator.

They are found in the warm, shallow waters that line continents and surround islands.

Dominant AnimalsDominant Animals

Naturally, the most common animal found in a coral reef is coral. There is also an

abundance of different types of fish.

VegetationVegetation

The primary vegetation consists of many kinds of sea grass and algae.

Effects of HumansEffects of Humans

Positive Negative

Through modern knowledgeand technology, humans areable to figure out ways to helpkeep our coral reefs aliveand well. For example, scientists are identifying resilient species of coral that can be planted to help re-grow coral reefsthat have been damaged.

Global warming causes increases in ocean temperatures, which diminishes the supply of algae that corals depend on for survival.

Chemicals used for agricultural purposes get into the water andpollute it, harming the organismsliving in the reefs.

ReferencesReferences

Nelson, Rob. Coral Reefs. Retrieved November 9,2008, from: <http://thewildclassroom.com/biomes/coralreef.html>

REEF FACTS: Plants and Animals on the Great Barrier Reef. (n.d.). Retrieved November 9, 2008, from: http://www.reef.crc.org.au/discover/plantsanimals/facts_plantanimal.htm

M. Tupper, A. Tewfik, M.K. Tan, S.L. Tan, L.H. Teh, M.J. Radius, S. Abdullah. ReefBase: A Global Information System on Coral Reefs. Retrieved November 9, 2008, from: <http://www.reefbase.org>