Oceans under threat - Key Vocabulary (2)

Algae

Very simple, usually small plants that grow in or near water.

Algal Bloom

A rapid growth of microscopic algae.

Atoll

A ring-shaped coral reef.

Barrier reef

A coral reef close to the shore but separated from it by a channel of deep water.

Biodegradable

A process that enables a substance to break down into natural materials in the environment without causing harm

Biodiversity

The number of different species living in one area

Biome

Areas of our planet with similar climates, landscapes, animals and plants.

Calcium

A soft, white element, which forms part of a coral reef skeleton.

Carbon dioxide

A naturally occurring gas, but also a greenhouse gas.

Coral reef

A ridge of rock in the sea formed by the growth and deposit of coral.

Garbage Patch

A large patch of rubbish found floating in the oceans.

Gyre

A large system of circular ocean currents formed by global wind patterns.

Mangrove

A forest of trees found in coastal zones. The trees can tolerate salt water and they help to protect the land from the power of the waves. They are also an ecosystem of their own.

Marine

Relating to or found in the sea.

Marine debris

Solid rubbish found in the sea

Microplastic

Plastics which are 5mm in size or smaller. They can be from materials which are biodegradable.

Ocean acidification

A reduction in the pH of the ocean over an extended period of time. The ocean becomes more acidic.

Overfishing

When too many of a fish species are taken from an area of water.

Photosynthesis

The process by which sunlight is turned into food/energy for plants.

Phytoplankton

Plankton consisting of microscopic plant.

Pollution

A substance which is harmful or poisonous.

Polyp

Tiny little animals that are related to anemones and jellyfish. They live in large colonies that make up a coral reef.

Sustainable

Able to be maintained at a certain rate.

Zooplankton

Plankton consisting of small animals and the immature stages of larger animals.

Zooxanthellae

Single-celled organisms that live within most types of coral polyps. They help the coral to survive by providing it with food resulting from photosynthesis.