WiseOceans Academy
Our oceans are full of a vast range of diverse habitats, that provide food, shelter, and suitable living conditions for the animals that call them home. Marine habitats vary in depth, salinity, temperature and light availability, suiting animals with a range of adaptations. Let’s take a closer look at some of the oceans most vital marine habitats.
Coral Reefs
Coral reefs are some of the most biodiverse habitats in the world – meaning they are full of thousands of different types of plants and animals. Corals themselves are animals, that are picky about where they live. They like warm, clear, shallow water, so are found around coastlines in the tropics. These small animals build skeletons around themselves that then create the complex structures of the reef.
Mangrove Forests
Mangroves are a salt tolerant tree that can grow in coastal waters along tropical and subtropical coastlines. Their tangled roots create a complex habitat that are great for animals to live amongst.
Rockpools and Sandy Shores
These habitats are found in the intertidal zone – where the sea meets the land. This means that they are dynamic habitats that are constantly changing as the tide comes in and out. Animals that live here must be adapted to surviving these tough conditions. These habitats are found all over the world.
Seagrass Meadows
These meadows are found where dense patches of seagrass grow in shallow coastal waters. Seagrass is not a type of seaweed, but a true plant with roots, stems, and leaves.
Kelp Forests
Kelp is a type of seaweed that can create these amazing underwater forests. Kelp is fast growing and can reach up to 45 meters tall. As kelp needs sunlight to be able to grow, this habitat is found along coastlines in shallow water in temperate waters around the world.
Open Oceans
Away from the coastlines we find the open ocean, or the pelagic zone. The open ocean stretches all the way from the shallow sunlight zone down to the deepest parts of the sea floor. Depending on which zone you are in the conditions will be vastly different.
Ready to start your ocean exploring journey? To sign up and be part of our Marine Biology club today click here. While you wait for your first class, why not follow us on Facebook, where we regularly share fun facts, craft ideas and cute videos. You might also like to sign up to our monthly WiseKids newsletter for a monthly dose of marvellous marine-themed content straight to your inbox!
