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Though Coral reefs cover less than 1% of the earth’s surface they have the highest biodiversity in the ocean, provide billions of dollars to the world economy, and provide hope for cures to cancer, Alzheimer’s, and AIDS. The spectacular shallow coral reef system around Little Cayman Island and the world class diving destination Bloody Bay Marine Park is the classroom for the field-based course. While out on the reef, you will explore several ecological themes that include community organization of reef organisms, ecologic successions, adaptive strategies, controls on and distribution of biodiversity, organism-environment feedback and other interactions. We will also discuss the driving forces behind coral reef development and causes of reef demise and evolution. We discuss what the potential is for sustaining this diverse ecosystem. Caribbean coral reefs have been under enormous stress over the past decade. Coral reefs on Little Cayman are not directly impacted by large-scale human impacts and as a result provide an important site for studying and observing this marine environment. Students spend each day in the field and participate in evening discussions and lectures. Each student is responsible for completing a field project and report. Course Web Page: http://www.reefresearch.org/
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Course Calendars Rutgers Resources |
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