Google Earth Reveals How Predator-Prey Behavior In Coral Reefs Can Be Seen From Space

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By Treehugger | 12 July 2012 | 477

Studying the satellite imagery of lagoons around remote and protected Heron Island in the Great Barrier Reef, researchers found that they could easily identify a phenomenon known as 'grazing halos'. Scientists believe these 'grazing halos' are created by hungry herbivorous fish and sea urchins who pick a region clean of seaweed, revealing the substrate beneath. Seeking protection from predators in a reef, these herbivores venture out to feed only so far, creating a halo-shape around their refuge. Therefore, these areas are the result of a complex game of cat-and-mouse between marine predators and their cautious prey. Read More