What Does the Term “Ocean Biome” Means ?

An Ocean biome is a biotic community which enables various marine life forms, from fish to other exotic creatures thrive and live in the oceans.

A biome is a community wherein life forms breed and live. Therefore, considering the wide expanse of water bodies on the earth and its area coverage, an ocean biome is the most expansive life-supporting community.

There are 5 ocean biomes, comprising the world oceans including the Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Southern Ocean and the Arctic Ocean. Also, there are seas which include the Mediterranean Sea, Caribbean Sea, South China Sea, Red Sea, Black Sea etc.

The deepest region of the ocean biome is the Mariana Trench in the Pacific Ocean, which is 36,200 feet deep. The Pacific Ocean is the biggest of all ocean biomes covering 64 million square miles.

Features of Ocean Biome

The ocean biome has 3 layers, the topmost being Euphotic which has shallow waters. Light can penetrate this layer easily. The middle layer is called Disphotic and it enables some light to get to the bottom.

The deepest layer is the Apotic Layer and light cannot reach the bottom of this layer. It has dark and murky waters.

The ocean biome influences world climate and impacts rainfall. The average temperature of the ocean biome is 39 degrees Celsius which can change based on water depth, wind and available sunlight.

The water circulation in the ocean biome is constant and warm water moves from the tropics and cool water from the poles, forming different ocean currents.

Tides in the ocean biome are an interesting phenomenon which impacts the movement patterns and eating habits of marine animals.

Different Zones of the Ocean Biome

An ocean biome not only encompasses a wide variety of marine creatures and gives the necessary support required for the survival and existence of marine animals, but is also diversified into different zones. These zones are special areas where different marine life forms breed and exist.

An ocean biome is divided into four zones: The intertidal zone, the abyssal zone, the pelagic zone or the open ocean and the benthic zone.

The Intertidal zone

The Intertidal zone is where the sea meets the land. This is the area where the water level changes due to tides therefore the life forms found in this zone are also different. Molluscs, starfish, crabs, algae and crabs are some of the life forms of this ocean biome zone.

The Abyssal zone

The Abyssal zone is in the deepest part of the ocean. Not many life forms thrive here since it has fewer nutrients. It is home to bacteria and invertebrates.

The Pelagic zone

Dolphins, whales and sharks are the marine creatures found in this zone on account of the climatic diversity which often leads to warm ocean water mixing with the cold ocean water creating a temperate climate.

The Benthic zone

This zone is found beneath the pelagic zone. Seaweeds, fungi, bacteria and sponges thrive here.

Coral Reefs

Coral reefs are usually present in warm and shallow waters or can be found as barriers, fringing islands and even atolls. The most famous is the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

Corals form reefs and they include both algae and tissue of animal polyp. They get nutrients through algae via photosynthesis and by extending their tentacles to get plankton from the waters. Besides corals, the fauna includes many microorganisms, fish, sea urchins, octopuses and sea stars.

Threats to Ocean Biome

Ocean Biome is threatened by infrastructural development, marine pollution, degradation, and overconsumption, which leads to the production of excess commodities that end up in the oceans, etc.

Another major threat comes from shipping in the form of accidents like oil spills. The BP oil spill was one such incident which killed thousands of marine creatures and impacted water quality, the long-term effects of which are visible even today.

You may also like to read

• What are the Creepy “Dead Zones” of the Oceans?
• 10 Marine Biome Facts You Must Know
• 10 Famous Coral Reefs In The World
• 15 Amazing Facts About Coral Reefs
• How Ships are Destroying Coral Reefs Around the World?

About Author

Zahra is an alumna of Miranda House, University of Delhi. She is an avid writer, possessing immaculate research and editing skills. Author of several academic papers, she has also worked as a freelance writer, producing many technical, creative and marketing pieces. A true aesthete at heart, she loves books a little more than anything else.

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