<P><B>A stunning visual document of one of the most incredible sights on the planet, with a separate pull-out map and tips on making the most of a trip to the Reef</B></P><P>For many, the thought of the Great Barrier Reef conjures up images of azure waters teeming with colorful fish against a background of colorful coral of every shape, color, and form imaginable. Yet this book reveals how much more there is to the Reef. It is a massive, complex ecosystem, and one that has gone through enormous changes throughout the history and evolution of our planet. Produced in partnership with the BBC, this book takes readers on a journey along Australia's northeastern coastline, through the diverse range of habitats that make up this extraordinary water world. Along the way, they will discover how the Great Barrier Reef was formed, learn about life on the Reef, and meet the plants and animals that inhabit it. It also looks at the environmental challenges facing this incredibly delicate ecosystem, and what the future may hold. Illustrated in spectacular full-color photography throughout, it also features hints and tips on how to make the most out of any trip to the Reef, making it the ultimate guide to one of the most treasured natural wonders of the world.