Knowra Marine habitat Marine habitat A place in the ocean or coastal waters whose physical conditions and resources support particular marine organisms. Marine habitats range from shallow shores to the deep sea.
Ocean stratification : The layering of ocean water by differences in density, usually caused by temperature or salinity. Stratification separates habitats by depth and limits the exchange of heat, nutrients, and oxygen.
Coral reef : A marine ecosystem built chiefly from calcium-carbonate structures produced by reef-building corals. Its complex structure creates abundant shelter and feeding niches in sunlit tropical waters.
Ecological niche : The conditions and resources that shape a species’ survival, reproduction, and interactions. A habitat supports species only where its conditions meet their niche requirements.
Marine protected area : A defined marine region managed to conserve nature and associated cultural or economic values. Protection can limit damaging activities and preserve habitat features and ecological processes.
Marine ecosystem : A community of marine organisms interacting with one another and with their physical environment. An ecosystem includes organisms and interactions, while a habitat names the place supporting them.
Bathymetry : The measurement and description of underwater depth and seafloor shape. Depth and bottom relief distinguish habitats such as shelves, slopes, and trenches.
Kelp forest : A coastal underwater ecosystem dominated by large brown algae called kelps. Dense kelp canopies support diverse communities in cool, nutrient-rich coastal waters.
Habitat fragmentation : The division of continuous habitat into smaller, more isolated patches. Fragmentation can disrupt movement and reduce access to resources across coastal habitats.
Coastal eutrophication : Excess nutrient enrichment of coastal waters that can trigger algal blooms and oxygen depletion. Nutrient pollution can transform habitats and create conditions harmful to marine life.
Biotope : A region with a relatively uniform set of environmental conditions and associated biological community. Biotope emphasizes a recurring combination of physical setting and community, not just a place.
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