The ocean is divided into three major marine ecological zones based on depth and distance from the shore. These zones are the Intertidal Zone, the Pelagic Zone, and the Benthic Zone.
1. Intertidal Zone
The intertidal zone is the area where the ocean meets the land. It is exposed to air during low tide and submerged during high tide. This zone is home to a variety of organisms that can withstand extreme changes in temperature, salinity, and moisture. Examples include barnacles, mussels, and sea stars.
2. Pelagic Zone
The pelagic zone is the open ocean, away from the coast and the sea floor. It is further divided into different layers based on depth, such as the epipelagic (sunlit zone), mesopelagic (twilight zone), bathypelagic (midnight zone), abyssopelagic (abyssal zone), and hadopelagic (hadal zone). This zone is inhabited by a wide range of species, including fish, whales, and plankton.
3. Benthic Zone
The benthic zone is the ocean floor, extending from the shoreline to the deepest parts of the ocean. It includes the sediment surface and some sub-surface layers. Organisms in this zone, such as crabs, sea cucumbers, and various types of worms, are adapted to life on or near the ocean floor.
Each of these zones plays a crucial role in the marine ecosystem, supporting a diverse array of life forms and contributing to the overall health of the ocean.