seamount A mountain rising from the seafloor that does not reach above the surface of
the water. Usually formed from volcanoes.
trench Deepest areas of the ocean; found where subduction takes place.
Points to Consider
- What types of organisms are found in the ocean?
- How does ocean life differ in different regions of the ocean?
- How do ocean organism interact?
14.4 Ocean Life.
Lesson Objectives
- Describe the different types of ocean organisms.
- Describe the interactions among different ocean organisms.
Introduction
The ocean covers an area of about 361 million square kilometers, about 71% of the Earth.
For that reason, it is a home to a large portion of all life on Earth. The life in the ocean
includes many different species. Some species seem bizarre, others are enormous, some are
delicious to eat, and others are dangerous. Living organisms can be found throughout the
ocean, even in the most remote and harsh parts.
Types of Ocean Organisms
There is a great variety of ocean life that ranges from the smallest animals on Earth to the
largest. Some of these organisms breathe air from the atmosphere, while others can extract
oxygen from the water. There are those that mostly float on the surface and those found in
the ocean’s depths. Some animals eat other organisms, while other creatures generate food
from sunlight. The abundance of life in the oceans can seem endless. However pollution,
acidification of the oceans, and overfishing can greatly reduce the diversity and abundance
of ocean life. By studying and understanding the creatures of the ocean, humans can better
preserve these organisms. With this in mind, we’ll learn about the life forms in the ocean
by dividing them into seven basic groups.