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The Great Barrier Reef as an Example of Biodiversity
     

Scene from the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia © Shirley Burchill

Scene from the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia © Shirley Burchill

Scene from the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia © Shirley Burchill

     

The Great Barrier Reef, which is found close to the eastern Australian coastline, is home to a wide variety of animals. All coral species are animal species, even though the adult forms do not move. Coral filters plankton from the surrounding water. Each tide brings with it a fresh supply of plankton. Other animals, such as the giant clam, also make their homes in a coral reef. The parrot fish feeds on coral. Many other species of fish visit coral reefs in order to feed and because they find coral a good hiding place when escaping from predators.

A coral reef is a good example of our planet's biodiversity. There are many species of animals living in coral reefs which have not been classified. Unfortunately, a coral reef is very susceptible to pollution. Many coral reefs are dying because of pollution.

     

Scene from the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia © Shirley Burchill

Scene from the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia © Shirley Burchill

Scene from the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia © Shirley Burchill

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© Paul Billiet, Shirley Burchill, Alan Damon and Deborah James 2008