The Great Barrier Reef is incredibly rich and diverse. Stretching 2300 kilometres, this natural icon is so large it can even be seen from outer space.It is known mostly for its large maze of colourful reefs, but also provides a home for a huge number of plants and animals.Some of these, such as turtles and crocodiles, have been around since prehistoric times and have changed little over the course of time.
The diversity of marine creatures includes 600 types of soft and hard corals, more than 100 species of jellyfish, 3000 varieties of molluscs, 500 species of worms, 1625 types of fish, 133 varieties of sharks and rays, and more than 30 species of whales and dolphins. No other World Heritage property contains such biodiversity. This biodiversity contains many endemic species which cannot live outside ans also contains many threatened species which gives it a scientific importance.
The Great Barrier Reef is also unique as it extends over 14 degrees of latitude, from shallow estuarine areas to deep oceanic waters. It is considered as the largest living structure in the world.
Within this vast expanse are a unique range of ecological communities, habitats and species – all of which make the Reef one of the most complex natural ecosystems in the world.
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park stretches approximately 2300 km along the coast of Queensland in north-eastern Australia – this is about the same length as the west coast of the USA from Vancouver to the Mexican border.The great barrier reef is so big that even the combined area of United Kingdom,Switzerland and Holland is still smaller. It can also be seen from outer space. It includes world largest coral reef ecosystem.
It provides most spectacular natural scenic beauty under water full of colours and life. It is literally an aquatic heaven on Earth and thus it becomes a must visit place in a lifetime for any person who wants to feel close to mother nature underwater.
Enjoy reading and be open to the things that world has to offer.
0 comments :
Post a Comment