As with other books in the biology of habitats series, the emphasis in this book is on the organisms that dominate this marine environment although pollution. The most prolific reefs occupy depths of 1827 m 6090 ft, though many of these shallow reefs have been degraded. Coral reefs can be found at depths exceeding 91 m 300 ft, but reefbuilding corals generally grow best at depths shallower than 70 m 230 ft. The biology of coral reefs provides an integrated overview of the function, physiology, ecology, and behaviour of coral reef organisms. Reefs provide a wealth of opportunity for learning about biological and ecosystem processes, and reef biology courses are among the most popular in marine biology and zoology departments the world over.
Each chapter is enriched with a selection of boxes on specific aspects written by internationally recognised experts. The biology of coral reefs paperback charles sheppard. This book is organized into 12 chapters that cover the microbial aspects of coral reefs, the nutrition in corals, and diversity in coral. For a coral reefs to exist, the watertemperature must be above18c and the depth less than100m. While the book discusses current controversies and challenges to both the.
Biology and geology of coral reefs v3 1st edition elsevier. Biology and geology of coral reefs v2 1st edition elsevier. Coral reefs in the microbial seas is the first book to recount this story. Coral reefs are found in a relative restricted area due to the biology of the corals and the bacteria that live within them. It is a must read for anyone who is interested in the education and preservation of one of the worlds most beautiful, economically, and ecologically important resources. Biology 2 covers the major advances made in the biological aspects of coral reef problems.
Their distribution is generally limited to within 30 degrees either side of the equator where the water is warmest. The book the biology of reefs and reef organisms, walter m. The book also discusses some basic problems relating to the distribution and abundance of hermatypic corals on reefs. Coral reefs represent the most spectacular and diverse marine ecosystem on the planet as well as a critical source of income for millions of people. The selection first offers information on the coral reefs of the caribbean and indian ocean, including evolution, physical environment, coral diversity, reef communities, reef types and zonation, and reef morphology and sealevel change.
This book provides an integrated overview of the function, physiology, ecology, and behaviour of coral reef organisms. Coral reefs represent the most spectacular and diverse marine ecosystem on the planet as well as a critical source of income for millions of. A guide to the common invertebrates and fishes of bermuda, the bahamas, southern florida, the west indies, and the caribbean coast of. Our book coral reef systems scripps institution uc san diego. The book also discusses natural and maninduced destruction of coral reef communities and the rate, manner, and extent of. Biology 1 discusses the major advances made in the biological aspects of coral reef problems. Coral reefs in the microbial seas is the first book to recount this story, complete with introductions to the coral reef ecosystem, 21st century metagenomic research tools, and the coral. Each chapter is enriched with a selection of boxes on.
The biology of coral reefs find, read and cite all the research you. The opening chapters describe the distribution and role of coral reef microorganisms, as well as the significance of bacterioplankton as a food source for the marine fauna of coral reefs. Goldberg has taught one such course for years, and he marshals that experience in the pages of the biology of reefs and reef organisms. Geology 1 focuses on the evolution, reef types, geology, and structural and tectonic factors causing the development of coral reefs.
The great barrier reef biology, environment and management p. This book is organized into 12 chapters that cover the microbial aspects of coral reefs, the nutrition in corals, and diversity in coral reefs. This book, first published in 2006, summarises the state of knowledge about the status of reefs, the problems they face, and potential solutions. Goldberg is published by university of chicago press. The great barrier reef marine park is 344 400 square kilometres in size and is home to one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. Coral reefs are havens of biodiversity in the oceans, vulnerable both to local threats that include overfishing, pollution and physical damage, and to global problems, such as climate change.