Overview
Marine ecosystems are crucial for the health of our planet, providing habitat for countless species and regulating climate. They include diverse environments such as coral reefs, estuaries, and the open ocean, each supporting unique forms of life. Understanding these ecosystems helps us appreciate t...
Key Terms
Example: Coral reefs have high biodiversity with many species of fish and corals.
Example: The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world.
Example: The Chesapeake Bay is a well-known estuary.
Example: Sea otters are a keystone species in kelp forest ecosystems.
Example: Overfishing has severely impacted cod populations in the North Atlantic.
Example: Plastic pollution is a major threat to marine life.
Related Topics
Oceanography
The study of the ocean's physical and biological properties and processes.
intermediateAquatic Biodiversity
The variety of life in aquatic environments, including freshwater and marine ecosystems.
intermediateClimate Change Effects on Oceans
How climate change impacts marine ecosystems, including temperature rise and acidification.
advancedKey Concepts
BiodiversityFood websHabitat zonesHuman impact