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Download Oceans cover much of Earth`s surface. They are so large that they
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Oceans cover much of Earth's surface. They are so large that they have many ecosystems. An ecosystem includes all the living and nonliving things in an area. Some ocean ecosystems are the shore, coral reef, open ocean, and deep sea. The shore ecosystem is where the ocean meets the land. Ocean waves wash over this area. Many different things live here. These living things must be able to survive when water washes over them. Clams bury in the sand to escape the waves. Seaweed and snails attach to rocks so they will not float away. Crabs and small fish also live in shore ecosystems. Another ocean ecosystem is the coral reef. Coral is a living thing. It has a hard outer shell and tentacles that can sting. Many other living things make their home in coral reef ecosystems. Sea urchins, octopuses, and fish all live near coral reefs. The open ocean is another ocean ecosystem. This area is far from land. Here, the water is colder. Living things in the open ocean include whales, dolphins, fish, and plankton. Plankton is a collection of very small living things that float in the water. Discovery Education Science © 2007 Discovery Communications, LLC Page 1 of 2 Ocean Ecosystems Another type of ocean ecosystem is the deep sea. The water is very cold in the deep sea. Sunlight does not reach this area, so it is dark. Sea anemones, sponges, and eels are some living things in the deep sea. Discovery Education Science © 2007 Discovery Communications, LLC Page 2 of 2