Ocean Zones
This sunlit zone of the ocean is where most marine life thrives.
100: What is the epipelagic zone?
This is the largest species of dolphin.
100: What is the orca (killer whale)?
Coral reefs are primarily made of this.
100: What is calcium carbonate?
This marine plant is known as the "seaweed of the tropics."
100: What is kelp?
This term describes the process of protecting marine areas.
100: What is marine conservation?
This zone is located just below the sunlit zone.
200: What is the mesopelagic zone?
This marine mammal is known for using tools, often cracking open shells with rocks.
200: What is the sea otter?
This term refers to the colorful partnership between coral and algae.
200: What is symbiosis?
This plant species is vital in maintaining ocean ecosystems and capturing carbon.
200: What is seagrass?
This is the name of the international agreement designed to protect endangered marine species.
200: What is CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species)?
This deep ocean zone starts around 200 meters and is completely dark.
300: What is the bathypelagic zone?
This marine mammal has a diet mostly made up of jellyfish.
300: What is the leatherback sea turtle?
This ocean region is home to the Great Barrier Reef.
300: What is the Coral Sea?
This is the largest species of marine algae.
300: What is giant kelp?
This type of fishing method is especially harmful to marine ecosystems.
300: What is bottom trawling?
This ocean zone is closest to the ocean floor.
400: What is the abyssal zone?
This is the largest carnivorous marine mammal.
400: What is the polar bear?
These small invertebrates help build coral reefs with their calcium carbonate skeletons.
400: What are coral polyps?
This is a common name for the dense underwater meadows made of seagrass.
400: What are seagrass beds?
This term describes efforts to rebuild coral reefs by growing coral in nurseries.
400: What is coral restoration?
This ocean zone is characterized by high pressure, near-freezing temperatures, and hydrothermal vents.
500: What is the hadal zone?
This marine mammal can dive the deepest, reaching over 9,000 feet.
500: What is the sperm whale?
These coral-eating starfish threaten coral reefs.
500: What is the crown-of-thorns starfish?
This plant-like organism forms the base of most marine food chains.
500: What is phytoplankton?
This is the name of the global network of protected marine areas.
500: What is the Global Ocean Refuge System (GLORES)?