Ocean Plants | Marine Biome
Ocean Plants, or Marine Plants, are the various plant species that grow near the surface of saltwater or water or ice and are part of the Aquatic biome. Ocean Plants grow worldwide in diverse habitats ranging from shores, open seas, and salt marshes. Ocean Plants are characterized by their resistance to saltwater and are essential to the food chain and provide nourishment to wildlife. Ocean Plants are also responsible for generating up to 70% of the oxygen on earth. Ocean Plants include Red Algae, Water Lettuce, Prickly Water Lily, and Seaweed.
The most important plant in the ocean is considered to be seagrass. Seagrass is a rooted plant that usually requires large amounts of light to survive and thrive. Seagrass typically grows along the coastlines in shallow waters. Seagrass is a common food source for many animals and is made up of various species.
There are some species of plants that grow and thrive in very large water depths. Some varieties of sea vegetation can thrive within about 600 feet or 183 meters below the surface of the water. All plants need some form of sunlight for photosynthesis for energy to survive.
Plants can grow at great depths in the ocean, but still require some amount of sunlight to thrive even if it is minimal. Ocean plants also have other adaptations that allow them to absorb nutrients from both the water and soil. Ocean plants need a combination of sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to live.
