GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTS
THE GREAT BARRIER REEF
ACTIVTY ONE
Aim:
Identify and describe the environment of the Great Barrier Reef
1. Into your workbook write the heading:
The Great Barrier Reef
2. Copy the following text into your book:
The Great Barrier Reef is a spectacular natural creation. It is a
series of 2 500 or more coral reefs stretching for 2000
kilometres along the Queensland coast.
3. Read the following text:
The Great Barrier Reef is home to an astonishing number of
animal and plant species. It is among the richest wildlife
habitats in the world. To date, about 1 500 species of fish have
been identified in its water. To date, about 1 500 species of
sponges, 800 species of echinoderms (such as sea urchins and
sea stars), 5 000 species of mollusks (such as snails, slugs, squid
and cowries) and 17 species of sea snakes. Dugongs, saltwater
crocodiles, several species of whales and dolphins, and six of
the world’s seven species of marine turtles also live in waters
along the reef. Around the reef, several hundred bird species
have been recorded. There are also 350 species of reefbuilding corals, the animals that actually built the coral reefs
which form the Great Barrier Reef. There may be many more
species of marine life yet to be discovered.
4. In your book write the heading:
Marine Life of the Great Barrier Reef
5. Use the above text and your own research on the Intranet to compose a
list of marine life that lives on the Great Barrier Reef.
6. Take a piece of art paper. You are to create a realistic picture of a coral
reef.
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The picture is to include accurate pictures of the marine life that
lives on the Great Barrier Reef.
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The picture is to be neatly coloured.
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The picture is to be labeled.
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Use diagrams and illustrations found on the Intranet and in books to
assist you.