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Marine Ecosystems
it's talking about ocean life like coral reefs, estuaries, and different zones
Word | Definition |
---|---|
Benthos | Plants and animals that live in, on, or near the ocean bottom. |
Plankton | Small and microscopic organisms that move with the currents. |
Nekton | Swimming animals that can move independently of the currents. |
Intertidal Zone | is the shoreline area that falls between the high tidemark and the low tidemark. |
Neritic Zone | is the ocean area that slopes down from the edge of the shoreline toward the ocean floor |
Coral Reef | is a limestone deposit formed from coral shells |
Upwelling | the movement of nutrient-rich waters from the deep ocean into shallow areas, brings nutrients that help some kelp forests to thrive. |
Oceanic Zone | is made up of the open waters of the ocean |
Hydrothermal Vents | are cracks in the ocean crust that release mineral-rich water that has been heated by Earth's interior. |
Estuaries | unique ecosystems that are called estuaries form where salty ocean water mixes with fresh water from rivers. |