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5. The ocean supports a diversity of life and ecosystems

Essential Principle 5: The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems.

We should think about the ocean because all kinds of life live there. There is a much larger variety of animals in the ocean than there is on land, from the smallest virus to the largest animal that has ever lived, the blue whale. The ocean has animals living in unusual places, like where there is no sunlight at all, or near poisonous gas, or on top of underwater volcanoes. And most of the living space on Earth is in the ocean.

To learn even more about this concept, go to its fundamental concepts.

NEOSEC Member Resources:

  • Seacoast Science Center – Salt Marsh Ecology Program
    Age Level: Grade 4 through 8
    Through an introductory lesson, students will learn about the important role salt marsh and estuary ecology play in the health of the Gulf of Maine watershed. Using binoculars, temperature loggers and microscopes, students learn about the ecology of the salt marsh and the unique adaptations marsh organisms have developed to survive in this habitat. Interactive activities teach students about the uses of the marsh through time. Educators will receive materials to assist with field trip planning and pre-and post-trip activities.  This program varies seasonally.

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