Scientists estimate that about one million species of animals live in the ocean. But most of them—95 percent—are invertebrates, animals that don't have a backbone, such as jellyfish and shrimp. read more
Information on ocean animals is not as complete as information on land animals. It is known that animal life can be found at all depths of the ocean, from the surface to the deepest trenches that are over seven miles below the surface. Some ocean animals spend most of their life in the waters near the land. read more
However, plants can be found growing in the ocean habitat. Plants that grow in marine water have mechanisms for tolerating its high salt content and for getting oxygen to the plant. A few marine plants grow near the shore and in shallow water, but some can be found far from land, in the open ocean. read more
Freshwater habitats include lakes, rivers, marshes, wetlands and swamps. The cycle of evaporation of ocean water, rain and snow provide these habitats a constant source of fresh water. There are a wide variety of freshwater habitats. The animal species that live in these habitats vary dramatically from one area to another. read more