Overview

This publication is an easy-to-read review of coral reef biology and ecology, written by Orla Doherty, Director of Biosphere Foundation. It explains why coral reefs are important, how they work and which creatures depend on them. It describes what currently threatens coral reefs around the world and suggests steps that should be taken to solve the problems. The book is beautifully illustrated throughout with colour photographs.

This book explains the science of coral reefs, including how they have evolved, what determines where they grow, their composition, the different zones on a reef, the different types of coral reef, and how they feed, grow and reproduce.

It looks in detail at coral reef organisms, including coral reef invertebrates, coral reef fish and coral reef vertebrates. It also describes coral reef plants and algae.

The book analyses the threats to coral reefs (including natural threats, local human threats and climate change) and considers their future.

Finally, the author presents her observations from the Biosphere Foundation’s expedition to map and monitor the world’s coral reefs.

Details

Author: IMarEST