The world of the coral reef is one of the most diverse ecosystems on our planet. The sheer number of life forms in this environment rivals even that of the tropical rain forests. Built over thousands of years by tiny calcium-producing organisms, the reefs are a haven for countless thousands of life forms, some of which seem totally alien in form. It is a fairy tale world of bright colors and ever changing patterns. Only on the reef can one find living examples from nearly every group of organisms representing a billion years of evolution. Some of the oldest reefs today began growing over 25 million years ago. Diving on a coral reef is like entering another world. We have, in fact, spent less time and money exploring the world's oceans than we have the surface of the Moon. Every day brings the discovery of an exciting new species. It is a world of never-ending wonders. But it is also an extremely fragile environment, and it is in very real danger of disappearing forever. Mankind's ignorance and carelessness is beginning to have a noticeable impact on the world's reefs. From the Florida Keys to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the damage is becoming apparent. If we wish to share this wondrous world with our children, we must take steps to conserve it. The first step to saving our reefs is education. This section of Sea and Sky is a meager attempt by myself to bring some of the splendors of the sea to the public. Please click on one of the categories below for a brief introduction to the fantastic life forms in each group. You may also use the menu to the left to navigate through the incredible world of the reef.

  The sea worms are a large and varied group of animals belonging to a group called annelida. They are segmented worms, and all bear at least some resemblance to the common earthworm. In the ocean, however, the worms have evolved many different appearances. One of the more interesting varieties is the tube worms. These animals form a hard-shelled tube that provides them protection. The feather duster worms have a series of feathery tentacles on top that are used to filter nutrients from the water. When threatened by predators, they quickly withdraw deep into their tube homes. Another species, the Christmas tree worm, has a very ornate arrangement of feeding tentacles that can be found in a wide variety of bright colors. Some sea worms, such as the bristle worm, wander the sea floor with a covering of tiny bristles that can deliver a painful sting if threatened. The flatworms have flattened bodies and look more like chewing gum as they forage for food on the rocks. Below is a listing of some of the more common worms found on the reef.

  Several million years ago, the first animals moved from the sea to colonize the land. Eventually, worldwide changes in climate and geography convinced some of the mammals to move back to the sea. These animals have since evolved to be perfectly adapted to their environment. Most of these animals comprise a group known as the cetaceans, which includes the dolphins and whales. The other main group of marine mammals falls into the pinnipedia family, which includes the seals and sea lions. Breathing air and then diving, cetaceans can hold their breath for unimaginable lengths of time. They are peaceful animals, and they are quite intelligent. Some of the largest brains in the world of mammals are found in the oceans.

These animals have exhibited remarkable abilities to communicate and learn. Their natural lives are spent in close family groups caring for their young and each other. Their songs can be heard echoing for miles beneath the waves. It is shameful to think that mankind hunted most of these magnificent animals to the brink of extinction. But today, under the protection of most of the world's governments, they are coming back. In marine parks around the world, their ambassadors are helping to save their kind by helping us to better understand them. Below is a listing of some of the world's more familiar marine mammals.