Coral Reefs - The comprehensive guide for all levels

Hi there,

My name is Saskia, and I am a marine biologist. I completed my PhD on coral ecology at Ningaloo Reef in Australia (University of Western Australia), which kindled my love and passion for the fascinating and beautiful world of coral reefs.

I have designed this course to forward my knowledge and help more people have a comprehensive understanding of coral reef ecosystems and their importance.

This course is divided into 6 parts, each ending with some multiple-choice questions allowing you to test your understanding. In addition, a PDF script is provided, which can be filled in with the help of the video lectures and will leave you with a document full of interesting coral reef facts.

In this course, you will learn the following:

Part 1: Distribution and a brief history of coral reefs, types, and zonation of reefs

• When did corals evolve?

• Where can we find reefs?

• What is the difference between warm and cold water reefs?

• What are the main reef structures?

• Which reef zones exist?

Part 2: Taxonomy, anatomy, nutrition

• What are corals?

• How is their body structured, and how are they building up reefs?

• What is their nutrition?

• What is the coral holobiont?

Part 3: Growth forms, reproduction, and productivity

• Which growth forms do corals express? Which are the dependent factors?

• How do corals reproduce?

• Why are coral reefs called the ‘rainforest of the ocean’?

Part 4: Biodiversity (divided into 4a and 4b)

• Who else lives in the coral reef besides Nemo and Dory?

• Which are common fish, including sharks and rays, in a coral reef? And what is interesting about them?

• What is a cleaning station?

• Which invertebrates can we find on coral reefs?

• What is the importance of turtles and marine mammals for the reef ecosystem?

• Are there also plants on coral reefs? What is their role?

Part 5: Importance, Threats, and Links to Other Ecosystems

• Why are coral reefs important?

• What is the ecological link to other nearby ecosystems?

• What is threatening coral reefs?

• What is bleaching, and what are coral diseases?

FUTURE OUTLOOK: Can corals survive? What measures can be put into place to help coral reefs?

This course will provide you with lots of interesting information and give you very good background knowledge on coral reef ecosystems. Furthermore, it will make you familiar with some scientific wording. So after finishing this course, you will be confident to explain coral reef facts to a broad audience, independent if you talk to your children, friends, or some professionals.

If you want to work in conservation, the scuba industry, or study marine biology, this is the perfect course for you!

When you are ready, come and embark with me on this beautiful journey into the amazing world of corals!