New Caledonian barrier reef

High school (ages 12+)
Geography

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/new-caledonian-barrier-reef

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. How long is the New Caledonian barrier reef?1,500 kilometers (930 miles)
2. How big is the New Caledonian barrier reef?24,000 square kilometers (9,300 sq mi)
3. What is the scientific name?Not applicable (Geographic feature)
4. What is the location?South Pacific Ocean, surrounding New Caledonia
5. Why is it called the world's longest continuous barrier reef?It is called the world's longest continuous barrier reef because it is the longest stretch of reef that is unbroken, forming a single continuous line around the island. No other reef in the world is that long and unbroken.
6. What kinds of animals live in the reef?Many kinds of coral, fish, and other sea animals live there, including many species that are found only in that reef. The coral forms a colorful home where fish, turtles, and other creatures can grow and find food.

Barrier Reef: A coral reef running parallel to the shore, separated from it by a lagoon.
Endemic Species: Species of plant or animal that is native and unique to a defined geographic area.
Marine Biodiversity: The variety of life found within the world's oceans and seas.
Coral Diversity: The range of different species of corals present within a specific reef system.