![]() ![]() Yet today the coral-and therefore all the organisms that depend on it-is gravely at risk.Ĭoral is made up of many small animals. These species interact to form a complex and delicate ecosystem dependent on the coral reef for survival. There are also venomous sea snakes, brightly colored worms, and large algae. There are animals you would probably recognize, such as dolphins, turtles, crocodiles, and sharks. The Great Barrier Reef consists of about 3,000 individual reefs of coral, and the biodiversity they contain is remarkable. Yet the reef’s true value, its biodiversity, extends far beyond dollars and cents. ![]() This richness and uniqueness make the reef crucial for tourism and the Australian economy-it attracts at least 1.6 million visitors every year. There are likely many more-new discoveries are frequently being made, including a new species of branching coral discovered in 2017. The Great Barrier Reef, which extends for over 2,300 kilometers (1429 miles) along the northeastern coast of Australia, is home to over 9,000 known species. ![]()
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