Understanding the Ocean and its Processes

Science

A nonliving part of the environment, like water, light or temperature

Abiotic factor

A nonliving part of the environment, like water, light, or temperature. Abiotic factor. Abiotic factors are the nonliving components of an environment that affect living organisms.

The bottom of an ocean, lake or pond, where little or no sunlight reaches

Benthic zone

The bottom of an ocean, lake or pond, where little or no sunlight reaches. Benthic zone. The benthic zone is the dark area at the bottom of a body of water where plants can't photosynthesize due to lack of sunlight.

A living factor in the environment, like plants or animals

Biotic factor

A living factor in the environment, like plants or animals. Biotic factor. Biotic factors are living things in an ecosystem that affect other organisms.

A water having more salinity than freshwater, but not as much as seawater

Brackish

A water having more salinity than freshwater, but not as much as seawater. Brackish. Brackish water is a mix of freshwater and saltwater, often found where rivers meet the sea.

populations that live in the same habitat

Community explained in an easy to understand way.

All the living and nonliving things interacting in an area

Ecosystem explained in an easy to understand way.

A shrubs or small trees that grows in coastal saline or brackish water

Mangroves

A shrubs or small trees that grows in coastal saline or brackish water. Mangroves. Mangroves are unique trees that thrive in salty coastal environments and help protect shorelines from erosion.

Organism explained in an easy to understand way.

A reactant to which an enzyme binds

Substrate

A reactant to which an enzyme binds. substrate. A substrate is a substance on which an enzyme acts during a biochemical reaction.

The gradual changes to communities in an ecosystem

Succession

The gradual changes to communities in an ecosystem succession. Succession is the natural process where ecosystems change and develop over time.

An area of land that is periodically underwater

Wetland

An area of land that is periodically underwater wetland. Wetlands are natural areas where water covers the soil, supporting a variety of plants and wildlife.