"There's so much in the ocean that is yet unknown. You don't have to go to the deepest part of the ocean floor where no one's been before. There are surprises on sand flats in ankle-deep water."
—Paula Mikkelsen, Assistant Curator, Division of Invertebrate Zoology

The resources below explore what lives in the ocean, and how.

		What's the Big Idea About Marine Biology? Article for grades 3 through 8 How is the ocean like a layer cake? What cool and spooky creatures live there? And just how important is the ocean to humans? Dive deep into marine biology with this kid-friendly introduction.
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		It Takes All Kinds to Make a World Article for grades 3 through 8 The ocean's one diverse place—with alga so tiny that 10 million can fit in a single teaspoon to whales longer than three school buses. Take the surfboard challenge, and ride the waves of biodiversity!
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		They Glow! Article for grades 3 through 8 Most of the deep sea is very dark, with little or no sunlight. But that doesn't mean marine animals are in the dark! Learn how these clever creatures create their own light.
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		Ocean Creature Feature Activity for grades 3 through 8 To survive in the icy Pacific, a sea otter has about a million hairs in every square inch of its fur. Now, that's dense! Take a close look at ocean adaptations while boosting your OLogy card collection.
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		Rubber Blubber Gloves Activity for grades 3 through 8 If you've ever dipped your toes in the ocean, you know the water can be downright chilly. So how do whales and walruses manage to stay warm in frigid waters? Find out with this fun hands-on activity.
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		Slowing the Flow Activity for grades 3 through 8 All mammals—dogs, sea lions, and even you—have an adaptation for surviving in cold water. Take the plunge, and learn why the mammalian diving reflex is your cold-water friend.
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		Crazy Camouflage Activity for grades 3 through 8 Unlike humans, some animals can instantly change the color or pattern of their skin. Take a hands-on look at how the masters of disguise known as flounders can don several different looks.
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		Tree of Life Article for grades 3 through 8 Think of a cladogram as the ultimate family tree. On it, you can see how all living things are related, including the single ancestor they all share. Learn more about Earth's Tree of Life.
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		Let's Talk With Mark Siddall About How Organisms Eat Article for grades 6 through 12 Did you know the cone snail harpoons and then reels in fish to eat? That whales and dolphins hunt cooperatively? Or that some fish create a huge negative pressure zone to suck in their prey?
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		Let's Talk with Paula Mikkelsen about Marine Invertebrates and How They Move Article for grades 6 through 12 Clams that bounce up and down like yo-yos, others that balloon their foot with blood, and squids that zip around using jet propulsion—the ocean's filled with remarkable creatures on the move!
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		Let's Talk with Ian Harrison about How Marine Animals Breathe Article for grades 6 through 12 When in comes to breathing under water, marine organisms breathe in different ways. Some absorb oxygen through their skin, some rely on gills, and others gulp air into their gas bladders.
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		Let's Talk with Randy Davis about Photographing Weddell Seals from Below the Ice Article for grades 6 through 12 Weddell seals spend about 90% of their time submerged, making them a tricky animal to study. Before Davis developed a special camera, scientists could only speculate about the seals' lives below the ice.
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		Let's Talk with Donal Manahan about Studying Antarctica's Marine Organisms Article for grades 6 through 12 Antarctica's water is so clear that organisms have problems finding food. "It's like parents having to tell their young, 'We're not going to be able to feed you until Christmas, so hold your breath,'" says Donal Manahan.
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		Let's Talk with Cornelius Sullivan about Microorganisms in Antarctic Seas Article for grades 6 through 12 During the winter, the sea ice off Antarctica covers an area so big that it's actually the largest continuous habitat on Earth. The algae that live there produce 25 percent of all oxygen on the planet.
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		Create a Polar Creature Activity for grades 6 through 12 Ice floes, katabatic winds, and subzero temperatures—welcome to life in Antarctica. What features would your ideal creature have to thrive in this extreme habitat?
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		Video Gallery: Shark Dissection Evidence and Analysis for grades 9 through 12 Sharks are model vertebrates, in a sense. By dissecting them, we can learn a lot—even about human anatomy. Take an up-close and personal look at sharks and rays with this collection of dissection videos.
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		Comparison: Catshark and Freshwater Ray—Form and Function Evidence and Analysis for grades 9 through 12 Even though their bodies are made of cartilage, the freshwater stingray and the nursehound catshark have very different builds. Pick them up, spin them around, and see virtually all their differences.
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		Fish Skull Animation: Jaw Protrusion Evidence and Analysis for grades 9 through 12 Did you know that the sling-jawed wrasse can extend its jaw up to 65 percent in order to capture its prey? Take an animated look at the first animals to develop bony jaws.
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		Aquatic Versus Terrestrial Feeding Modes Article for grades 9 through 12 How do fish create the suction force needed to capture prey within cracks and cavities? It's the way their mouths are designed. Take an in-depth look at aquatic and terrestrial feeding mechanisms.
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