Shallow water marine environment

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/shallow-water-marine-environment

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. What is the ecological zone?Primarily the epipelagic zone, characterized by sufficient light for photosynthesis
2. What is the primary productivity?High levels due to abundant sunlight, supporting extensive phytoplankton and macroalgal growth
3. Why do shallow waters have so many fish and animals?Because the sunlight lets plants make food, and the warm, clear water gives many places for fish and other creatures to live and grow. About 90% of all marine species start their lives in these areas.
4. How do coral reefs, kelp forests, and seagrass meadows help the ocean?Coral reefs, kelp forests, and seagrass meadows each create homes for many animals, clean the water, and even soak up carbon dioxide to help fight climate change. They also make the ocean bright and colorful.

Epipelagic Zone: The uppermost layer of the ocean, extending from the surface to about 200 meters, where sunlight is abundant.
Anthropogenic: Originating from human activity, especially environmental pollution.
Ocean Acidification: The ongoing decrease in the pH of the Earth's oceans, caused by the uptake of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.