Introduction to week 1

Welcome to week one of Future Learn, the open course of Life below Water. Hi, I’m Dr. Kathy Townsend. I’m a specialist in marine ecology from the University of the Sunshine Coast here in Australia. This week, we’re going to explore the diversity and habitats that make up Life below Water. We will investigate the major groups of marine vertebrates and what makes them so unique. From there, you’ll explore the various marine habitats, discovering answers to such questions as Why are coral reefs so diverse? Why are estuaries and mangroves such hotspots for biodiversity and ecological functions? And discover why seaweed forests and seagrass meadows are just so important.

And finally, we will introduce you to the wonders of freshwater habitats, and how freshwater invertebrates can tell us about ecosystem health. We hope you enjoy this first week as you take a quick dive into Life below Water.