South of Cuba in South America, the Amazon River is home to a stunning array of wildlife -- from pink dolphins to dangerous piranhas. Spanning from Peru all the way to Brazil, the Amazon is the second longest river in the world.
And now, scientists from Brazil and the U.S. have discovered a new treasure -- a massive coral reef that stretches for 600 miles. Corals are tiny, soft-bodied animals that band together to build protective, rock-life reefs. And they're usually located in clear, tropical waters, so scientists were surprised to find the reef system in the muddy waters at the mouth of the Amazon River.
The coral reef appears to be healthy. Scientists have already discovered many new species that live in the area, including 61 species of sponge and 73 types of fish.
Scientists say the coral reef was overlooked for so long, because it sits below a muddy mixture of fresh water from the river and salty seawater from the Atlantic Ocean, also known as a plume.
Instructional Links
PDF: National Aquarium, Coral Reef Fact Sheet
PDF: National Aquarium, Amazon River Animals Fact Sheet
Website: Teacher Resources & Game, Journey into Amazonia
http://www.pbs.org/journeyintoamazonia/
Website Article: Living with the Great Lakes, the River Plume
http://faculty.gvsu.edu/videticp/plume.htm
Online Reference Source: Science Online, Amazon River
http://online.infobase.com/HRC/Search/Details/373787?q=amazon%20river
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