Do Now What covers almost three-fourths of Earth’s surface? What holds both the largest animals and some of the smallest organisms on Earth? Talk with your team and be prepared to share your answer with the class.

Biome – a large area characterized by its climate and the plants and animals that live in the area.

Marine Ecosystems Ecosystems in the Ocean Plankton Tiny organisms that float near the surface of the water Many plankton are producers. Plankton form the base of the ocean’s food chains.

Ocean Temperature Zones Textbook page 59

RCQ page 59

Depth and Sunlight Textbook pages 60-61

RCQ page 61 How do animals in the benthic zone get food? Sea Urchins Worms

Coral Reef Found in warm, shallow areas of the neritic zone Made up of small animals called coral Corals live in large groups Corals die and leave their skeletons behind – and new corals grow on the remains.

Intertidal Areas – Found near the shores Includes mudflats, sandy beaches, rocky shores

Estuary an area where fresh water from streams and rivers spills into the ocean