What are ocean ecosystems?

Unit Standards 5.L.4A.1 Analyze and interpret data to summarize the abiotic factors (including quantity of light and water, range of temperature, salinity, and soil composition) of different terrestrial ecosystems and aquatic ecosystems. 5.L.4A.2 Obtain and communicate information to describe and compare the biotic factors (including individual organisms, populations, and communities) of different terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

What are ocean ecosystems? Intertidal zone- the shallowest part of the ocean ecosystem

What are ocean ecosystems? Every day, the pull of the moon’s gravity causes ocean tides to rise and fall over the intertidal zone. It is covered by water at high tide. At low tide the organisms of the intertidal zone are exposed to the air. It can be rocky or sandy.

What are ocean ecosystems? Organisms such as crabs, clams, barnacles, sea stars, sea grasses, snails, and seaweeds live here. These organisms must be adapted to daily changes in temperature, moisture, and wave action.

What are ocean ecosystems? Neritic zone- is just beyond the intertidal zone.

What are ocean ecosystems? The key resource in this zone is sunlight. Algae, kelp, and other producers grow in huge numbers near the surface water where sunlight can penetrate. These producers attract herbivores including small fish, animal-like plankton, shrimplike crustaceans, and some whales.

What are ocean ecosystems? These organisms in turn attract larger organisms: seals, sea turtles, jellyfish, and other large fish. Coral reefs and kelp forests are important parts of the neritic zone. They provide habitats and food for many other organisms in this zone.

What are ocean ecosystems? Oceanic zone- is divided into the bathyal zone and abyssal zone.

What are ocean ecosystems? Bathyal zone- is home to many large consumers such as sharks, but few producers. The bathyal zone can be divided into the twilight and dark zones. Little sunlight reaches these parts of the ocean. You will also find sharks, squid, octopi, and other large nekton in this zone.

What are ocean ecosystems? Abyssal zone- where it gets darker and colder because the sunlight is completely blocked. Without light, producers cannot perform photosynthesis. Without producers, few consumers can survive.

What are ocean ecosystems?

What are ocean ecosystems? Organisms in this zone tend to be scavengers and decomposers. They live on nutrients that float down from other zones. Tube worms live in and around hydrothermal vents, cracks in the deep ocean floor. The heat and minerals from these vents support many organisms.