Approximately 90% of marine life is found in the Epipelagic Zone.
The Epipelagic Zone: A Hub of Marine Life
The Epipelagic Zone, also known as the surface layer or sunlight zone, is the uppermost layer of the ocean. This zone is critical because:
- It's where sunlight penetrates, allowing for photosynthesis by phytoplankton and algae.
- These organisms form the base of food pyramids for many diverse aquatic ecosystems such as coral reefs, kelp forests, and seagrass meadows.
- Water temperature in the Epipelagic Zone can vary significantly across the globe.
Because of its crucial role in supporting marine food webs, it is not surprising that about 90% of marine life is found in the Epipelagic Zone.
