Biological factors and Adaptations within the ocean

The 3 main Biological factors in the ocean that influence life are Producers, Comsumers and Decomposers.

Blue Crab (Decomposer)

Galapagos Shark(consumer)

Seaweed(Producer)

Biological Factors

ProducersProducers (or Autotrophs), are the beginning of all food chains, without them nothing would be able to survive.

Producers can be categorized as lithotrophs or phototrophs.

Through the process of photosynthesis, phototrophs can use energy from the sun to turn carbon dioxide into organic compounds that are required for living. They will mostly make sugars but also carbohydrates and other essential nutrients. Phototrophs can be plants in the ocean anywhere from algae to seaweed.

Chemotrophs are a type of autotroph who through the process of oxidation can gain energy from the electron donors in their environment. This means that a chemotroph can lose electrons and when it does this energy is released from the electrons which they can use as energy. Chemotrophs gain most of their energy from deep sea hydrothermal vents or cold seeps.

Hydrothermal vent

Phytoplankton

Consumer

SALT

WATER

Camouflage

Temperature

Wind & Waves

Vampire Squid

HONEY COMB COWFISH