Steven Rindner Bio Facts: All About Marine Biology

Marine biology is the study of ocean life. This huge body of saltwater covers about 71% of Earth's surface and contains various marine ecosystems. Life within the ocean is more diverse than life on land, according to Steven Rindner, bio student.

The Ocean is Huge and Constantly Moving
Our planet comprises five oceans: the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Southern, and Arctic. They're all linked together, forming a huge body of saltwater called the World Ocean. It surrounds islands and continents, covering over two-thirds of Earth's surface.

The ocean is always in motion. The pull of gravity from the Moon and the Sun creates tides that create currents. Currents shape our planet's climate and weather by moving cold water from the poles and warm water from the tropics. And they move not just water, but also life within it, from giant blue whales to tiny plankton, explains Steven Rindner, bio student.

The Ocean Has Many Different Ecosystems
From above, the ocean may seem like one big mass of water. But look beneath the waves; you'll see deep trenches, tall mountains, and a wide plateau. Geologic processes such as plate tectonic forces, deposition, and erosion form these massive seascapes over millions of years.
Deeper into the depths, conditions such as temperature, light, pressure, and salinity vary, giving rise to vast ecosystems, from polar seas to coral reefs to the sea floor.
An ecosystem is a thriving community of living things. Members survive by interacting with their environment and with each other. In fact, bio major Steven Rindner says there are more ecosystems in the ocean than on land.

The Ocean Teems with Life

More organisms of different kinds live in the ocean than on land.
They swim, swarm, glow, spout, wave, drift, squish, or pounce. As varied as life may be on land, the diversity of marine organisms is so much greater.