Marine+Life+Zones

Title: Marine Life Zones

Explanation of Topic (Definition, Key Points, Details) What is it All About? The Marine Life Zone are depended on 3 factors: availability of sunlight, the distance from the shore, and the water depth. These 3 factors divide the marine life zones.

Availability of Sunlight The photic zone, which is the upper part of the ocean which sunlight penetrates it, is the first of the zones. In the photic zone there is another zone called euphotic zone. This zone is strong enough for photosynthesis and can reach a depth of 100 meters. There is no sunlight beneath the photic zone.

Distance from Shore The intertidal zone is where the land meets the ocean. The intertidal zone is home to hermit crabs, barnacles, mussels, isopods, and seastars. These animal must be able to handle crashing waves, rapid changes in temperature, and salinity. A little past the intertidal zone is a zone named the neric zone. This zone has many nutrients for fish and other animals. The nertic zone covers the gently sloping continental shelf. This zone supports 90 percent of the world's commmercial fisheries. Beyond the continental shelf is the oceanic zone, which is the rest of the ocean. This zone can reach great depths.

Water Depths Water depth is another method in classifying marine habitats. The pelagic zone is the depth of any open ocean. Zooplankton, phytoplankton, and nekton, such as tuna, sea turtles, and dolphins all live in this zone. In the pelagic zone ther is a zone named Aphotic. The aphotic zone is home to the giant squid and many more animals. The benthic and abyssal zone is at the very bottom. There is no sunlight and it has very low temperatures.

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Interesting Facts or Discoveries: Aristole started the study of the marine animals. The Angler fish was named one of the ugliest fish ever.

Works Cited: [|www.googleimages.com] [] [|www.enchantedlearning.com] [] [|www.oddee.com/item_79915.aspx]