Across
- 2. – The process by which increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere lowers the pH of ocean water, affecting marine organisms.
- 4. – A sensory system in fish and marine mammals that detects vibrations and movement in the water.
- 6. – Tiny algae that live within coral tissues and provide them with energy through photosynthesis.
- 9. – Large-scale flow of seawater, driven by wind, water temperature, and salinity differences.
- 10. – Swimming organisms in the ocean, such as fish and marine mammals, that can actively move against currents.
- 12. – A class of marine animals, including squid, octopuses, and cuttlefish, known for their intelligence and ability to camouflage.
- 14. – Underwater structures made by coral species, providing habitats for diverse marine life.
- 15. – The largest species of shark, a gentle giant that feeds on plankton in warm tropical waters.
- 16. – Tiny organisms that drift in ocean currents, including both phytoplankton (plants) and zooplankton (animals).
- 20. – A predatory fish species, some of which play key roles in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems.
- 21. – The cultivation of marine organisms, such as fish or shellfish, in their natural habitats for commercial use.
- 23. – Gelatinous marine animals with tentacles that can sting, often found in coastal waters.
- 25. – The process of oxygen exchange in the ocean, where phytoplankton produce oxygen through photosynthesis.
- 26. – Mammals that live in or depend on the ocean, such as whales, dolphins, and seals.
- 27. – Microscopic plants in the ocean that perform photosynthesis and form the base of the marine food chain.
- 29. – The top predator in an ecosystem, with no natural predators; examples include orcas and great white sharks.
- 32. – An area where fish are harvested for commercial purposes, often regulated to maintain sustainability.
- 34. – The production and emission of light by marine organisms, like certain fish and jellyfish.
- 36. – Organic matter, such as dead plankton and other particles, that falls from the upper ocean to the deep ocean floor.
- 37. – Coastal area where fresh water from rivers meets saltwater from the ocean, supporting a rich variety of wildlife.
- 39. – Simple, photosynthetic organisms found in marine environments that range from microscopic phytoplankton to large seaweed.
- 40. – Marine species unintentionally caught in fishing nets meant for other species.
- 41. – The process by which fish and other marine organisms release their eggs and sperm for reproduction.
- 42. – An opening on the ocean floor where heated water from the Earth's interior supports unique ecosystems.
- 43. – The farming of marine species like fish, shellfish, and seaweed for commercial purposes.
Down
- 1. – A protected area of the ocean where human activities, like fishing or mining, are restricted to preserve marine life.
- 3. – A phenomenon where coral expels its symbiotic algae due to stress from warm water, leading to the loss of color.
- 5. – Microscopic animals that feed on phytoplankton and are a key food source for many marine species.
- 7. – A group of marine animals with exoskeletons, such as crabs, lobsters, and shrimp.
- 8. – The part of the ocean that is below 200 meters, where little sunlight penetrates, and unique creatures live.
- 11. – A community of living organisms interacting with each other and their environment, like a coral reef or ocean floor.
- 13. – The saltiness or concentration of salt in seawater, affecting the types of organisms that can live there.
- 16. – The process by which plants and algae use sunlight to create energy, critical for marine ecosystems.
- 17. – The process by which deep, cold water rises to the surface, bringing nutrients that support marine life.
- 18. – Also known as orca, a powerful apex predator found in cold waters.
- 19. – The movement and recycling of nutrients in the marine environment, essential for life processes.
- 22. – Coastal trees that thrive in salty environments, offering shelter for young marine species.
- 24. – A large, powerful ocean wave often caused by underwater earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.
- 28. Forest – Dense underwater areas dominated by kelp (large seaweed), providing shelter and food for many marine species.
- 30. – The position an organism occupies in the food chain, such as primary producers, consumers, and decomposers.
- 31. – Oscillations of water created by wind or other forces that can shape coastal landscapes and influence marine life.
- 33. – Areas of the shore that are affected by the rising and falling of tides, home to many unique species.
- 34. – The lowest layer of the ocean, including the ocean floor and the organisms that live there.
- 35. – The variety and variability of life forms in an ecosystem, including species, genes, and ecosystems.
- 38. – A type of coral reef that lies parallel to the shore, often forming a barrier between the land and open ocean.