Marine coastal ecosystem

High school (ages 12+)
Environment & Earth

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/marine-coastal-ecosystem

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. How big is Marine coastal ecosystem?Approximately 7% of the Earth's ocean surface area
2. What is the scientific name?N/A (This is a type of ecosystem, not a species)
3. What is the key habitats?Estuaries, salt marshes, mangrove forests, coral reefs, seagrass meadows, kelp forests
4. Why are mangroves important in tropical coasts?Mangroves grow in warm, salty water and have roots that hold the shore together. They give fish, shrimp, and other sea creatures a safe place to grow and hide. They also help keep the water clean.
5. How do coral reefs help marine life?Coral reefs are built by tiny coral animals that make hard skeletons. These reefs create a big, colorful home where many fish, turtles, and other creatures can live, feed, and stay safe. They also protect the shoreline from waves.

Continental Shelf: The submerged edge of a continent, sloping gently from the coast into deeper ocean waters.
Anthropogenic: Originating in human activity; caused or influenced by humans.
Resilience: The capacity of an ecosystem to withstand or recover from disturbances and maintain its essential functions.