MARINE LIFE

Plants and animals of the sea, from the high-tide mark along the shore (also see Shore Life) to the depths of the ocean. These organisms fall into three major groups: (1) Benthos: plants such as kelp and animals such as brittle stars that live on or depend on the bottom; (2) Nekton: swimming animals such as fishes and whales that move independently of water currents; and (3) Plankton: various small to microscopic organisms that are carried along by the currents.