Life on the Ocean Coast

Types of Organisms

Organisms are classified by how they live.

Benthos – bottom dwellers. Plants, crabs, coral, starfish etc...

Nekton – swimmers. Fish, dolphins, octopus etc...

Plankton – floaters. Algae, animals etc..

Bethos

Kelp forest

Benthos

Coral reef Starfish

Benthos

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Crabs

Benthos Sea Urchins Mussels

Nekton

Fish- Grouper

Nekton

Mammals Dolphins

Nekton

Whales

Nekton

Octopus

Nekton

Sharks

Plankton

Blue-green algae

Plankton

Ciliate

Plankton

Diatoms

Plankton

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Dinoflagelate

Plankton

Radiolaria

Nekton or Plankton? Plankton

Habitats on the Coast

Intertidal zone- the area between the high tide and low tide.

Submerged during high tide. Exposed and dry during low tide. Organisms must be able to tolerate

changes in temperature, salinity and moisture.

Intertidal Zone

Habitat on the Coast

Estuaries- include protected bays, inlets and harbors.

Contains brackish water (lower salinity)

Nurseries of the ocean.

Estuary

Habitat on the Coast

Wetlands- form along the edges of estuaries.

Flooded areas that provide habitat for many creatures.

Two kinds: salt marshes and mangrove forests.

Most wetlands are now protected.

Habitat on the Coast

Salt marshes- wetland away from the Equator, where it is cooler.

Grasses form protective barrier against waves, tides and storms.

Grasses hold the mud together. High in nutrients.

Salt Marshes

Habitat on the Coast

Mangrove forests- wetlands found in tropical areas.

Mangrove roots can tolerate saltwater and provide habitat for many creatures.

Mangrove Forests