1. Abyssal Zone
By: Kobe Hill

2. What is the abyss?
The abyssal zone of the sea is an extremely deep layer that receives no sunlight at all. The depth of the abyssal zone if from 4,000 to 6,000 meters under water. At this depth, all organisms must adapt in order to compensate for the lack of food, nutrients and the unfathomable air pressure.

3. Productivity of the abyss.
With the sheer lack of nutrients and any form of oxygen in the abyss, organisms must compensate by producing nutrients. The concentrations of nutrient salts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and silica are very uniform in abyssal waters and are much higher than in overlying waters. This is because abyssal waters are the reservoir for the salts from decomposed biological materials that settle downward from upper zones, and the lack of sunlight prevents their uptake by photosynthesis.

4. Major life forms.
Life in the abyss is scarce due to the tough conditions. But the abyss is home to some very notable creatures. Some of these include, The Giant Squid, Angler Fish, Spider Crabs and blob fish.

5. Limiting factors.
Due to the depth of the abyssal zone, sunlight never reaches any parts of the abyss. Because of this many of the fish are blind.
Water currents can also be a limiting factor on an organisms survival. These can occur at all water depths and the currents could be moving in all directions from the spawning site, each water current will have slightly different physical properties.
Chemical suitability of habitats – each larvae requires specific chemical inputs and surroundings if it is to survive.
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6. Special features of the Abyss.
The abyssal zone covers more than 50% of the earth's surface.
The deepest point of the abyss is "Mariana's Trench". Located in the Western Pacific ocean, the deepest point of the trench is 36,201 ft. If Mount Everest was dropped in the trench, the peak of the world's largest mountain would still be a mile underwater.
The abyss has what is called Hydrothermal vents. They are fissures in the earth's surface, from which where heated water is naturally pumped out into the ocean.

7. Plant adaptations of the Abyss.
Due to the fact that no sunlight reaches the abyss, no plants can grow this deep in the ocean.

8. Animal adaptations of the Abyss.
The animals that live in the abyss all have similar distinct features. These are necessary in order to survive the hostile environment. These adaptations include. The lack of any air bubbles in their bodies (Lungs). At such a high pressure their lungs would collapse under the pressure. The Angler Fish has a lantern type bulb protruding from the top of its head. It acts like a lure to attract its prey.

9. Citations. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/nature/life-in-the-abyss.html
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