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 life refers to all living organisms that inhabit oceans, seas, and other saltwater environments. This includes a wide range of species such as fish, whales, dolphins, corals, sea turtles, planktonic organisms, and more.
Coral reefs are underwater ecosystems formed by colonies of tiny animals called coral polyps. They provide habitats for numerous marine species due to their complex structures and offer protection from predators.
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms found in a particular habitat or on Earth as a whole. In marine environments, high biodiversity is crucial for ecosystem stability and resilience.
Overfishing occurs when fish are caught at a rate faster than they can reproduce, leading to depletion of fish populations. It poses a significant threat to marine life and disrupts the balance of ecosystems.