Download Oceans cover much of Earth`s surface. They are so large that they

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