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Introduction to the Ocean

 

Goal:

Goal:

What can you find in the ocean?

Have you ever been to the ocean and been knocked down by a wave? Waves have energy created by wind. When you swim below the waves, it gets quiet and calm. Millions of plants and animals form ecosystems living below the surface. An ecosystem is all the living and nonliving things in an area.

The living things need the nonliving things to survive. For example, an eel might hide between rocks to get away from a shark. Some types of fish blend in with the sand for protection. Click on each picture below to find out more about what makes an ecosystem.

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reef in the ocean with a variety of animals.
Coral reef on sea floor with several types of colorful fish.

Living things in the ocean are plants, mammals, fish, reptiles, and invertebrates.

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Nonliving things in the ocean are rocks, sand, and salt water.
Underwater view of rocks and sand.

Nonliving things in the ocean are rocks, sand, and salt water.

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coral
Many types of brightly colored corals.

What about coral? It may look like a nonliving thing, but coral is alive. In fact, coral is many tiny invertebrates living together. Coral is an animal!

Question

How might other animals use coral to help them survive?

Other animals, like fish, might use the coral as a home, a place to lay eggs, or for protection from predators like bigger fish and sharks.