Life evolved from the sea. All living organisms, including bacteria and viruses, are programmed by DNA. Marine science extends our understanding of how life adapts, endures, reproduces and coexists. It yields information on complex chemical compounds that have potential medicinal and industrial applications. It explores renewable food and energy sources, sensory perceptions, how cells communicate, how species compete and cooperate, and countless other aspects of life.
Most scientific knowledge about coral reef species has been developed in the last 60 years or so. Many species have still not been scientifically described, named and classified, or are still only at an elementary stage of investigation. Many of the ones that have been studied in greater detail have been found to have remarkable abilities and characteristics. There is much more to know about life on our own planet – and especially on our Great Barrier Reef.
With so many reef habitats and species under threat around the world, it is important to do the science while we still can.
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