7.2 Marine Biomes and Ecosystems 2024

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What are Sandy Shores?

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Coastal ecosystems characterized by weathered rocks, corals, seashells, and minerals. They are often exposed to changing tides, making it challenging for wildlife to inhabit, but they provide nesting sites for birds and turtles.

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What is the Open Ocean?

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The largest marine ecosystem, containing 65% of the volume of the world ocean.

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What are Coral Reefs?

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Ecosystems that primarily occur in warm tropical and subtropical regions of the ocean, typically between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.

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What is the Atlantic Ocean?

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An ocean that is one of the five major oceans, located between the Americas to the west and Europe and Africa to the east.

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What is the Arctic ecosystem?

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A northern polar region characterized by extreme seasonality of light and year-round ice cover.

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What are Rocky Shores?

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Coastal areas characterized by solid rock formations, often home to diverse marine life such as crabs and snails.

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What are Kelp Forests?

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Underwater ecosystems formed by dense growths of kelp, providing habitat for various marine species.

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What are Hydrothermal Vents?

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Unique ecosystems located on the ocean floor, where heated water rich in minerals is released, supporting specialized organisms.

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What are Salt Marshes?

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Coastal wetlands that are flooded and drained by salt water brought in by the tides, providing habitat for various species.

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What is the Abyssal Plain?

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The flat, deep-sea floor that covers a large portion of the ocean, characterized by high pressure and low temperatures.