Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Marine ecosystems are diverse and interconnected communities of organisms that exist in saltwater environments such as oceans, seas, and estuaries. They include a wide range of habitats like coral reefs, kelp forests, and open ocean zones.
A phenomenon where corals lose their vibrant colors due to stressors such as increased water temperatures or pollution. This can lead to the death of coral reefs.