The focus of the course is the organization, ecology and biological diversity of the reef. Topics will include reef formation, energy flow within the reef, predator-prey interactions, symbiotic relationships, and coral bleaching. Coral biology will be emphasized, but other invertebrates and fishes will be studied. We will also visit nearby mangrove ecosystems. Students will learn about the impact of both human and natural disturbances that endanger reef habitats.
Coral reefs are under serious threat worldwide.
They represent a major source of biological diversity, provide storm protection and construction materials for tropical islands, and have the potential for extraction of large numbers of biologically active molecules for medical use. Loss of the biological resources and the incredible beauty of coral reefs would be a major ecological and aesthetic disaster.