The Epipelagic Zone, or the sunlight zone, extends from the surface to 200 meters deep. It contains the most sunlight and experiences temperature variations.
How does the Mesopelagic Zone differ?
The Mesopelagic Zone extends from 200 to 1,000 meters and is sometimes called the twilight zone. It contains the thermocline, where water temperature rapidly decreases with depth.
What is unique about the Bathypelagic Zone?
Also called the midnight zone, the Bathypelagic Zone ranges from 1,000 to 4,000 meters. It is pitch black and the temperature is nearly constant at about 39°F (4°C).
Describe the Abyssopelagic Zone.
This zone extends from 4,000 to 6,000 meters and is nearly pitch-black. The temperature is near freezing and life forms are sparse.
What is the Hadalpelagic Zone?
The Hadalpelagic Zone is the deepest ocean zone, ranging from 6,000 meters to almost 11,000 meters. The temperature is just above freezing and life, although sparse, does exist.
How do animals adapt to these zones?
In the Mesopelagic Zone, bioluminescence is common and fish have larger, upward-directed eyes. In deeper zones, animals are adapted to extreme pressure and cold.
How do ocean zones affect marine life?
Each zone has its own conditions of light, temperature, and pressure that affect what kinds of organisms can survive there.
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