The Epipelagic Zone
Shawn Cremer, Tessa Finley, Erin Sporl, Sophie Wilson
Abiotic Elements
General Factors
● Photosynthesis is able to take place/low depths/allows
sunlight.
● Intensity of sunlight directly important to
organisms/must correct metabolism to cope with
shifting temp.
● Also determines concentration of dissolved
gasses/affects plant life/plant nutrients affect and
support animal life.
● Oil/acid buildup/radioactive waste
Depth and Pressure
0-200 meters (~0-650 feet)
There is minimal pressure at
this depth
Dissolved Oxygen
--~90% of atmospheric oxygen is produced in
the photic zone
--Seasonal turnover leads to consistent oxygen
levels
--Phytoplankton, algae, photosynthetic
organisms produce oxygen
--Highly oxygen-rich, but
nutrient-poor water
Temperature and Light
Has an average of 23 degrees C (73.4 degrees F)
Temp can range from 27-104 degrees F
There is enough light for plants to perform
photosynthesis
Ocean Currents
Arctic Currents
the
gjjhhjjhg NEC flows E W and
tthhthththth the NECC flows W E
Biotic Elements
Marine Mammals
● Whales
○ Blue
○ Humpback
○ Narwhale
●
●
●
●
●
●
Dolphins
Seals
Sea Lions
Sea Otters
Dugongs
Manatees
Other Non-Fish Inhabitants
● Sea Turtles
● Sea Birds
○ Pelicans
○ Gulls
○ Kittiwakes
● Sharks (Well that's
a fish, but it's on
this slide anyway)
Vertebrates
Adaptations
Nektons- Able to swim
against current
● Yellow fish tuna
● Oarfish
● Sunfish
● Marin bream
● Ribbon half-break
1. Gas filled
bladder/bouyancy
2. Large size/less loss of
body heat
3. Insulating layers of
blubber/fat
4. Blood is rich in
hemoglobin/ pigments
5. Deep dives- arteries shut
off- blood only flows to
where needed
6. Osmotic Adaptations:
Excrete concentrated
urine/water storage
Invertebrates
● Cephalopods
○ Blue Ringed Octopus
○ Cuttlefish
○ Squid
● Bivalves
○ Conch
○ Clam
○ Scallops
● Gastropods
○ Snails
○ Limpet
● Sea Sponges
● Crustaceans
○ Shrimp
○ Crabs
○ Lobster
● Cnidaria
○ Jellyfish
○ Comb Jelly
○ Anemones
○ Man of War
Primary Producers
● Plankton
○ Zooplankton
○ Phytoplankton
● Algae
○ Red algae
○ Green algae
○ Brown algae
● Plants
○ Flowering Plants