Google Earth, ecology

Satellite imagery is giving biologists a whole new perspective on the phenomena they study.

Coral reefs are fraught with danger for herbivores such as damselfish and tangs. Venturing out from the safety of the reef’s colorful cracks and crevices to feed means risking being devoured by predators that patrol the warm waters. 

Scientists use Google Earth to observe the effects of predators on the feeding patterns of coral reef herbivores.