ocean biome

Ocean characteristics

There are 5 ocean biomes

• Atlantic Ocean
• Pacific Ocean
• Indian Ocean
• Arctic Ocean
• Southern Ocean

Ocean climates

• Average temperature of any ocean is 39°F
• Tropical oceans are warm and clear on the surface
• In polar oceans, the water is so cold, the surface is frozen
• Average rainfall: 250 in/yr (depends on location)
• There are no seasons in the ocean

Plants in the ocean

plankton

• Bright colors and offensive taste to keep predators away
• Gel-like sheaths to prevent them from sinking

kelp

• Roots grasp rocks so that they don't drift
• Fast-growing stem
• Floats (help blades reach sunlight at the surface)

Caulerpa

• Leaves absorb minerals they need
• Fast-growing

Seagrass

• Grows in saline water
• Found in shallower coastal waters

Red algae

• Using polysaccharides for food reserves
• Phycobiliproteins give them their color

Animals in the ocean

Whales

• Blubber allows them to maintain body temperature
• Lungs allow them to hold breath for longer 

dolphins

• Blubber for communicating and finding food
• Fast swimming increases hunting skill 
• ^ Also helps avoid predators
• Echolocation for communicating with other dolphins

sharks

• Tail fin moves back and forth for forward thrust
• Pectoral fins provide lift to keep the shark from sinking
• Pores connected to specialized sensory organs

seals

• Whiskers feel for fish in darkness
• Body shaped to go through water with minimum resistance
• Fur for warmth

Crabs

• Long legs for traveling long distances
• Camouflage to find food and avoid predators 

threats

overfishing

• More fish caught than amount needed to sustain population
• Disrupts food chain
• May cause endangerment and extinction

global warming

• Whole species of marines & fish at risk due to temp. rise
• Simply cannot survive in changed conditions

pollution

• Industrial use of ocean as a place to dispose waste products
• Kills organisms in ocean

Works Cited

• "Ocean Biome Facts." Ocean Biome Facts. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2014
• "Ocean Climate." Ocean Climate. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2014.