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Coral Research Diver

Reef Quest

diver
Reef HQ diver in Coral Reef Exhibit at Reef HQ, Townsville.


As an expert in the field of research diving, you have the unique ability to observe coral as no one else can. You have seen first hand and up close what we above the water cannot. Your major role is to provide your team with the underwater information they need to complete the task. You will be called upon to document your research in your journal and present your finds as part of the team's oral presentation.

Research Questions:

  1. Outline the different types of corals that make up a coral reef. You are to identify, visually represent and research five different corals.
    The following key questions need to be answered about each coral:
    1. Is this a hard or soft coral?
    2. Identify the criteria you would use to classify each coral into a group?
      Hint: What are the main characteristics of each coral?
    3. Where are these corals usually found?
    4. How does this coral get food?
    5. Describe any special adaptations this coral has?

  2. Define and diagrammatically represent a cross-section of a coral polyp. Be sure to label all the major parts of the coral polyp.
  3. Describe how animal and plant organisms depend on each other? Explain three symbiotic relationships that occur in the reef ecosystem.
  4. Overview some of the natural threats to corals? Explain why they are threats and what could or should be done to minimise them.

The following sites may be of some assistance: (More links coming soon)