Welcome to Corals
Coral reefs are some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. Thousands
of species rely on reefs for survival. Thousands of communities all over the
world also depend on coral reefs for food, protection and jobs. NOAA's
National Ocean Service is involved in research and efforts to conserve these
important ecosystems.
In this webquest you will:
� Be introduced to coral reefs and improve your understanding of why these
systems are important, how they are threatened, and what can be done to
protect and restore these unique and valuable ecosystems; and
� Be introduced to the hypotheses that explain why corals under stress may
expel their zooxanthellae.
YOUR TAST
1) Identify and explain five ways that coral reefs benefit human beings.
2) Identify and explain three major threats to coral reefs.
3) Describe major components of the Coral Reef Early Warning System.
4) Identify and discuss actions that can be undertaken to reduce or
eliminate threats to coral reefs.
5) Discuss at least one hypothesis that explains why corals under stress may
expel their zooxanthellae.
Internet Links
Welcome to Corals
http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/kits/corals/welcome.html
Other Resources