Environmental Science Overview

Environment Overview

• Environment consists of living (plants, animals) and non-living (water, soil) components.
• Animals use sensory parts such as eyes, ears, and nose to locate food.
• Movement in animals is aided by body parts like legs, fins, and wings.

Ocean Environment

• Oceans are vast bodies of salty water, characterized by their depth and temperature variations.
• Most marine animals thrive near the surface where food and warmth are abundant.
• Plants in the ocean, like algae, predominantly live near the surface to access sunlight for photosynthesis.
• Algae serves as a primary food source for many sea creatures, including crabs and fish.

Example of Ocean Life: Seahorse

• Seahorses possess gills, enabling them to extract oxygen from water.
• Fins are essential for their movement and navigation in aquatic environments.
• They can change color as a defense mechanism to evade predators.

Marsh Environment

• Marshes are wetlands, regions where land is frequently covered with water, providing unique habitats.
• Wetlands play a critical role in supporting biodiversity and water filtration.
• Water lilies are a common plant found in marshes, featuring adaptations for their aquatic habitat.

Water Lily Adaptations

• Roots absorb nutrients from the waterlogged soil, vital for growth.
• Long stems elevate leaves, allowing for improved access to light and air.

Example of Marsh Life: Great Egret

• The great egret has a sharp, elongated beak adapted for catching fish and other food sources.
• Long legs allow the egret to stand in deep water, facilitating hunting in marshy environments.