Ocean Ecosystem for Kids

Print this articleRelated Searches:Eighty percent of life in the planet happens in the ocean.Five oceans make up 71 percent of the earth’s surface, and they teem with life. National Geographic reports that 80 percent of life on earth resides in the ocean. The plant and animal ocean dwellers are diverse, with coral growing in tropical temperatures and seals feeding in the Antarctic Southern Ocean.
Learn about the ecosystems in the oceans, the human influence on them and create an ocean model as a classroom project to inform others of life in the vast and deep oceans of the world.



The Oceans

The World Ocean is divided into five separate geographical seas. The Atlantic Ocean divides North and South America from Europe and Africa. The Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean at more than twice the size of the Atlantic Ocean. The Pacific Ocean touches the eastern Asian coast and the western coasts of North and South Americas. The third largest ocean, the Indian Ocean, borders western Africa, southern Asia and western Australia. The oceans near the arctic poles are called the Arctic Ocean to the north and the Southern Ocean near Antarctica.

Ocean Life

Ocean ecosystems consist of fish, plants and animals that contribute to the life cycle. Ninety percent of life in the ocean occurs on the continental shelves, where the waters are not as deep and sunlight can reach to provide light or warmth. According to the Museum of Science, the most abundant plants in the ocean are phytoplankton. These single-celled, microscopic floating plants provide food for fish and animals in the oceans. Many varieties of fish and shellfish reside in the oceans, providing food for other creatures, including humans. The ocean is also home to unusual creatures, including sea rays and sea stars. Seals and whales depend on the oceans for food and refuge. The fearsome jellyfish, sea rays and sharks also have their place in the ocean ecosystem.

Human Influence

Along with some of the most dangerous and beautiful creatures, the ocean is home to some of the most endangered creatures. According to National Geographic, the green sea turtle, residing primarily in the Pacific Ocean, is one of the most endangered animals on the planet. Coral reefs, which are comprised of beautiful living organisms that provide homes and protection for other ocean life, are susceptible to pollution and ocean temperature changes. Pollution is a threat to the oceans. Runoff from city drains and farmlands using pesticides can interfere with ocean life breeding and food cycles. Overfishing can deplete populations of salmon or shrimp. Studies are still being done on the influence of oil spills on ocean life.

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