300180 SE Preparation for the UE Ecology & Palaeobiology of coral reefs (Red Sea) (2020S)

This seminar aims to give an introduction on ecology and fauna of coral reefs, with special emphasis on the Red Sea region. It will be split into two major parts: three units before the Easter holidays and four units after the Easter holidays.

In the first three units the lecturers will give an overview on the available topics. After a short introduction to coral reef zonation & biology, four major taxa of reef fauna (corals, fish, molluscs and echinoderms) will be treated. The importance of studying the composition of Pleistocene reefs for the evaluation of anthropogenic impacts on modern reefs will be explained. While global patterns will be outlined, the Red Sea region will be of particular interest.

The remaining units will be used for more specialized student presentations on the four major taxa and ecological and paleoecological aspects of coral reefs. Basic literature will be provided. A 20 minute presentation inclusive a 5 minute discussion and a handout are expected.

Active participation in this course is a prerequisite for the field trip to the Egypt in September (300167 UE Ecology & Palaeobiology of coral reefs (Red Sea)). If more than 20 students indicate an interest in attending the fieldtrip (300167), the choice will be based exclusively on the grades of this seminar.
However, participation in the seminar is also possible without an interest in joining the field course in September.