GREAT BARRIER REEF Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Barrier_Reef http://www.greatbarrierreef.org/about.

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Day, Trevor. Biomes of the Earth: Oceans. New york: Chelsea House, 2006.
Notes: Wiki -largest coral reef system in world. -composed of over 3000 indiv. reefs. -one of 7 wonders of world. -larger than great wall -only living thing on earth visible from space. -stretches over 1800 miles -breeding area for humpback whales -NE Australia -declared a World Heritage area in 1981, added to National Heritage list 2007. -World Heritage: sites of outstanding universal natural or cultural significance -"impressive coral gardens reveals many astounding underwater attractions including the world's largest collection of corals (in fact, more than 400 different kinds of coral), coral sponges, molluscs, rays, dolphins, over 1500 species of tropical fish, more than 200 types of birds, around 20 types of reptiles including sea turtles and giant clams over 120 years old. "

This kind of mutually beneficial relationship between the coral polyp and zooxanthellae is a form of symbiosis. A symbiotic relationship is one between two separate organisms in which they live together to the benefit of at least one of the organisms. There are several different kinds of symbiotic relationships in nature. Parasites, such as leeches, have a symbiotic relationship with their host; they take their nourishment from the host, but the host is harmed in the process and often dies. The symobiotic relationship between coral polyps and zooxanthellae is not parastic, though; it is a different form of symbiosis, called commensalism. Both organisms benefit from living together, without interfering with each other. n summer of between 24 and 33 degrees Celsius, in winter 14 to 26 degrees.