Ocean Biome

The ocean covers more than 70 percent of Earth's surface. It is the largest biome on our planet. The ocean is divided into different zones based on depth. Each zone has its own special plants and animals adapted to life there.

Ocean Zones

The sunlight zone is the top layer where sunlight reaches. Most ocean life lives here. The twilight zone is dimmer and cooler. The midnight zone is completely dark and very cold. Strange creatures with glowing bodies live in the deepest parts.

Why the Ocean Matters

The ocean produces over half of the world's oxygen through tiny plants called phytoplankton. It controls weather and climate around the world. The ocean is also a major source of food for billions of people. We need to keep it clean and healthy.

Fun Facts

• The deepest point in the ocean is the Mariana Trench, nearly 36,000 feet deep.
• More than 80 percent of the ocean has never been explored.
• Tiny ocean plants called phytoplankton produce more oxygen than all the world's forests combined.

Did You Know?

The ocean is so large that it contains about 97 percent of all the water on Earth. If you could drain the ocean, it would fill over 352 quintillion gallon jugs!