1. Aquatic Communities

2. Marine Ecosystems

3. Marine Ecosystems
The marine ecosystems includes the Earth’s oceans which contains many other ecosystems.
The marine ecosystems cover more than 70% of the Earth’s surface.

4. Abiotic factors such as: water, water depth, and the amount of sunlight shape the marine ecosystem.
Some of the largest animals and unique plants live in the oceans.

5. The temperature of the oceans decreases as the depth of the water increases.
Animals must have adaptations to survive the temperature of the water they live in. Any sudden change in the temp can cause sudden death.

6. 4 Zones of the Ocean
Intertidal Zone- where the oceans meets the land (crabs, clams, snails, sea stars live in this zone).
Neritic Zone- water is getting deeper. The water is warm and receives lots of sunlight. (corals, sponges, dolphins, fish live in this zone)

7. Oceanic Zone- contains the deep water of the ocean floor
Oceanic Zone- contains the deep water of the ocean floor. (whales, squid, and fish that glow live in this zone)
Benthic Zone- this is the ocean floor where there is NO sunlight and is VERY cold. (bacteria, worms, and sea urchins live in this zone)