Pelagic realm

Definition

The pelagic realm is the open ocean, away from the coast and sea floor. It is characterized by its depth and vast expanse, encompassing both surface waters and deeper layers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The pelagic realm is divided into different zones based on depth, including the epipelagic, mesopelagic, bathypelagic, abyssopelagic, and hadalpelagic zones.
2. It supports a wide variety of marine life, from microscopic plankton to large whales.
3. Primary productivity in the pelagic realm is primarily driven by photosynthetic organisms like phytoplankton in the sunlit upper layers.
4. The pelagic realm plays a crucial role in global carbon cycling and climate regulation.
5. Human activities such as fishing, pollution, and climate change significantly impact the health of pelagic ecosystems.

Review Questions

• What are the primary zones of the pelagic realm based on depth?
• How does primary productivity occur in the pelagic realm?
• What are some human activities that affect the pelagic ecosystem?

Related terms

benthic_zone: The ecological region at the lowest level of a body of water including the sediment surface and sub-surface layers.

photic_zone: The uppermost layer of water in an ocean or lake that receives sufficient sunlight for photosynthesis.

plankton: Microscopic organisms that drift or float in water, including phytoplankton (plants) and zooplankton (animals).