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Open Oceans

Open Oceans

The oceans cover over 70 % of the Earth's surface.

Open oceans may be classified into zones on the basis of their depth or on how far sunlight penetrates. Each zone may have its own associated fauna.

• How rich in diversity are these different zones?
  

Pelagic and Benthic Zones

Open water of any depth is termed the "pelagic zone".

In this zone there areplanktonic andnektonic communities.

At the bottom of the pelagic zone is the seafloor or "benthic zone".

Benthic organisms are adapted to living on the sea-floor.