Properties of Water
"Water is about 800 times more dense than air, and 50 times more thick and viscous. Although the chemical formula of water is H20, it actually contains about 95 percent less available oxygen than air does. All the organisms that live in water have to deal with those chemical and physical properties in some way."
- Dr. Melanie L. J. Stiassny, Curator of the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life
The resources below investigate the characteristics of water and how marine life forms adapt to them.
Article
Let's Talk with Ian Harrison about How Marine Animals Breathe
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.
Activity
Journey to the Bottom of the Sea
Did you know sound moves five times faster in water than in air? Or that cleaner fish have "cleaning stations" where they remove parasites? Deepen your knowledge with this ocean life challenge.
story
What's the Big Idea about Water?
Did you know that all living things need water? Or that the water on Earth today is all we will ever have? Learn more about this precious resource.
