The Great Barrier Reef

School Library Journal

Gr 5-8-- An alluring look at real science in action. Those who already own Arnold's A Walk on the Great Barrier Reef (Carolrhoda, 1988) or Sargent's Night Reef (Watts, 1991) might think they can do without this title. Think again. Rather than the usual litany of the creatures of this unique habitat, this book looks at the Great Barrier Reef through the eyes of research scientists. After a brief introduction to coral polyps and the reef's formation, Johnson describes the mysterious simultaneous spawning of the corals. She discusses investigations being conducted regarding the close relationships among giant clams from one end of the 1,300 mile reef to the other as part of a larger experiment to `farm' specimens to replace those dying off in some regions of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. She also examines studies being conducted on dugong populations, nutrient flows in mangrove swamps, egg-laying habits of marine turtles, the UV protection mechanisms of coral polyps, and the incursions of large populations of Crown-of-Thorns seastars (referred to as the less-scientifically specific ``starfish''). A final note exhorts readers to think ahead toward scientific careers in all fields of endeavor. A host of bright, enticing full-color photos complete the package. --Patricia Manning, Eastchester Public Library, NY