Diversity of Coral Reef
Animals
Coral reefs are among the most diverse, unique and beautiful of
ecosystems on the planet. Alas, they are also quite vulnerable
to
various environmental assaults and most of the reefs on earth are in
real jeopardy. Students will learn the taxonomy,
identification
and characteristics of the animals which live in coral reefs.
We
will discuss the major biological innovations that have permitted
the
evolution of these extraordinary ecosystems. This course can
serve as a prerequisite for the summer Field Course in Coral Reef
Biology in Grand Cayman.
Syllabus