Aquatic Biomes Workbook

Aquatic Biomes 4
th
grade
Table of Contents
Aquatic Biomes
What Is a Biome? *
Freshwater Biomes and Saltwater Biomes *
Wetlands
Marshes *
Swamps *
Super Swamp: The Florida Everglades *
Aquatic Biomes: Ecosystems
Swamp Food Chain *
Aquatic Biomes: Oceans *
Aquatic Biomes: Reefs *
Aquatic Biomes: Estuaries *
Tropical Ocean Ecosystem *
Coral Reef Crossword *
Coral Reef Animals and Plants *
Aquatic Biomes: Reflection
Certificate of Completion
Answer Sheets
* Has an Answer Sheet
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What on Earth is a Biome?
A biome is a large geographical area of the world characterized by similar
climate, animals, and plants. Some biomes are terrestrial (land-based),
and some are aquatic. Aquatic biomes can be freshwater biomes or
marine biomes. “Marine” biomes refer to saltwater biomes.
In other words, biomes can be categorized like this:
BIOMES
Terrestrial (land) Aquatic (water)
• Tundra • Freshwater (includes

• Forest (includes freshwater wetlands and
rainforest, temperate forest, estuaries)
chaparral, and taiga) • Marine (saltwater; includes
• Grassland (includes oceans and coral reefs)
temperate grassland and
savanna)
• Alpine
• Desert
Classify the areas below as either terrestrial or aquatic:

1. The Great Barrier Reef: ___________________________________
2. Arctic Ocean: ____________________________________________
3. Gobi Desert: ____________________________________________
4. Lake Tahoe: _____________________________________________
5. Florida Everglades: _______________________________________
6. Swiss Alps: _____________________________________________
7. Amazon River: ___________________________________________
8. North American Prairie: ____________________________________
Which type of biome, terrestrial or aquatic, is bested suited for

human survival? Explain your reasoning.
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
WATER
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Freshwater vs. Saltwater
Biomes are regions that have similar climate, animals, and plants. Let’s
take a closer look at the two types of aquatic biomes: freshwater and
marine.
FRESHWATER BIOMES
Freshwater is defined as having less than 1% salt in it. Freshwater
biomes contain either moving water, like rivers, streams, or creeks, or
standing water, like ponds, wetlands, or lakes. Less than 1% of the
Earth’s water is in freshwater lakes. Both the temperature and the depth
of the freshwater determine what plants and animals can live there. The
amount of movement in the water also affects the types of life that can
survive there. Freshwater animals can be large or small–some organisms
that live there are only made up of a single cell. That’s pretty small! The
animals that live in freshwater environments depend on the water for food
and survival. Some plants also live in freshwater. You may see moss
growing in or near freshwater biomes. Moss often grows in freshwater
environments. Many freshwater organisms rely on moss for food.
MARINE BIOMES
Marine biomes are sometimes called saltwater biomes. Marine biomes
have more than 1% salt in them. Very large bodies of water, such as
oceans and seas, are marine biomes. Marine biomes cover about three-
fourths of the Earth! Coral reefs and estuaries are also considered marine
environments. Just like in freshwater environments, the types of plants
and animals that live in marine biomes depend on the depth, temperature,
and movement of the water. Marine biomes support very large as well as
very small animals. Marine algae supply most of the world’s oxygen and
take in huge amounts of carbon dioxide. Evaporation of marine water
ultimately provides rainwater for our crops, snow for our mountains, and
fresh water for our lakes and streams.
WATER

Venn Diagram
Compare and contrast freshwater and marine biomes. Record the similarities in the center, where
the two circles overlap. Record the differences in the outer parts of the circles.
Freshwater Marine (Saltwater)
• • •
• • •
• • •
• • •
• • •
WATER
Wetlands
Wetlands are areas that are inundated with water for all or part of the
year. What distinguishes wetlands from just a wet area are plants that
are adapted specifically to live in the wet soil year-round. While wetlands
provide important habitats for plants and animals, wetlands also serve
important purposes to people.
Wetlands act like a sponge during flooding, absorbing large amount
of water and slowing the advance of the floodwaters. They also filter and
clean water that passes through them, removing excess nutrients and
waste.
Why do you think it is important to conserve wetlands?

__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Do you live near any wetlands that you can visit?

__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
WATER

Life in the Marsh: A Freshwater Biome
A marsh is one of the three types of wetlands. The other two types are
bogs and swamps.
Directions: Use the words in the word bank to label the animals in the
marsh. If you aren’t sure, do the ones you know first, and then look up the
others in a dictionary.
muskrat dragonflies egret marsh flies

turtle frog cattails crayfish
snail river otter raccoon fish
tadpoles mosquito larvae
WATER

Swamp Things!
The Swamp: A Freshwater AND a Marine Biome
Some made-up stories have made people think that monsters live in
swamps! The truth is, there are no swamp monsters, and many
fascinating plants and animals call the swamp their home. Swamps are a
type of wetland. Swamps are areas of land that have been permanently
saturated, or filled up, by water. Swamps are usually found in warm, wet
climates, and are characterized by being heavily forested. The thick,
black, nutrient-rich soil in swamps can support the growth of
water-tolerant trees and shrubs. Some swamp creatures live below the
surface, and some live on the soft, spongy land that surrounds the
swamp. Other swamp animals, such as alligators and nutrias, spend time
both in and out of the swamp, depending on the time of day and activity.
Many plants, fish, birds, and invertebrates, like freshwater shrimp, clams,
and crayfish, and the American Crocodile, require the swamp’s particular
ecosystem to remain balanced to ensure their survival. Swamps are
usually freshwater environments, but some saltwater swamps can be
found connected to tropical coastlines.
Directions: Put the names of these wetland plants in alphabetical order.
Cattail ___________________________________
Silver Maple ___________________________________
Winterberry Holly ___________________________________
Marsh marigold ___________________________________
Bulrush ___________________________________
Water lily ___________________________________
Duckweed ___________________________________
Pondweed ___________________________________
Red Maple ___________________________________
Cranberry shrub ___________________________________
WATER

Super Swamp
The Florida Everglades
The Florida Everglades is one of the largest swamp areas in the United
States. This freshwater swamp is commonly referred to as the “River of
Grass” because of how it looks from high above. These wetlands are
actually made from a 60-mile wide, slow-moving river that flows for 100
miles, from the Kissimmee River to the Straits of Florida. Wildlife in the
Everglades ranges from alligators to panthers, manatees to pythons, and
egrets to wood storks. While swamps were once thought to be useless or
dangerous wastelands, the Everglades actually have great ecological
value to humans. The freshwater from the Everglades supports nearby
agriculture and provides drinking water for south Florida. Wetlands also
naturally improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients and filtering
out pollutants. The Everglades also replenish aquifers and reduce the
chance of flooding. In addition to being a great natural resource, the
Everglades are a recreation area for boating, fishing, and other outdoor
activities. People travel from all over the world to experience the
Everglades’ environments and wildlife firsthand.
Directions: Use the information above to answer the following questions.
1. Name at least three animals that live in the Everglades.
________________________________________________________
2. Which animal were you most surprised to learn lives in the
Everglades? _____________________________________________
3. Describe two ways that humans use the Everglades.
________________________________________________________
4. Why do you think it is important to protect the Everglades’
ecosystem? _____________________________________________
WATER

Ecosystems
An ecosystem is a community of living things where organisms exchange
energy and food among themselves and with the environment around
them. One way of thinking about an ecosystem is who eats whom.
Here’s how an ecosystem works:
Energy enters the

Energy is transferred from ecosystem as
organisms back into the sunlight.
environment through heat loss.
The decomposers also put
energy back into the
environment by breaking down
the last pieces of dead plant
and animal matter, and
returning the simple chemicals Sunlight enters the
back into the environment. plants and the
plants transform
solar energy into
chemical energy, or
The “cleanup crew,” or food. This process
decomposers, such as is called
insects and microorganisms, photosynthesis.
come in and eat the last bits Plants are known as
of dead plants and animals producers because
for food. they can make their
own food.
Green plants are eaten

by primary consumers
Herbivores are eaten by secondary (herbivores).
consumers (carnivores and omnivores). Consumers are all
Carnivores are animals that eat other organisms that eat other
animals, and omnivores are animals that organisms for food.
eat both plants and other animals for food.
WATER

Ecosystems
There are many feeding relationships within an ecosystem. These
relationships form food chains, as each organism draws energy from the
one before.
Think of a food chain like this:
A fly flies along and gets caught in

a spider’s web.
The food chain can continue

until eventually the last “eater”
dies, and the dead organism is The spider eats
returned to the environment by the fly, and the
decomposers. You can always fly’s energy
connect the end of an transfers to the
organism’s life to spider.
decomposers.
If the jay gets caught by a weasel, then the

jay’s matter and energy pass into the weasel.
If a praying
mantis then
The next day, the catches and eats
mantis gets the spider, the
snatched up a by spider’s energy
a jay. The mantis’ flows into the
energy now goes mantis.
to the jay.
WATER

Swamp Survival: The Food Chain
Directions: Use the lines to try to make at least 3 food chains by
connecting the swamp organisms below with arrows. See the example
for help.
Mosquitos
Flies
Egret
Grasshopper
Frog
Fish
Turtle
Mosquito Crayfish
Larvae Algae
Example: sunlight → algae → mosquito larvae → fish
1. ______________________________________________________
2. ______________________________________________________
3. ______________________________________________________
WATER

Oceans
An ocean is a large body of saltwater. Although each ocean has its own
name, all oceans are connected to each other.
Approximately 71% of the Earth’s surface is covered in ocean, and
oceans account for 97% of all water on Earth! Oceans surround each
continent and countless islands.
Can you name all five major oceans?

__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Which one is the largest?

__________________________________________________________
WATER

Reefs
A reef is a deposit of limestone built up over a long period of time by
corals. Some get tall enough to break the surface of the ocean and
become islands!
Directions: Find each of these reef organisms in the word search below.
Reef Organisms N U D I B R A N C H K L
Clam Z Z N S E A L I O N S H
Fireworm Y Y Y F T W A F Y N S E
Flatworm V O A G G S O A N I K M
Frogfish F L A T W O R M F A R H
Manatee E P F S H A A G N O E Q
Manta Ray I F N O T L O S W E E C
Nudibranch P Y B N C R A E T L T W
Sea Lion M A A I F E R A A I R W
Sea Snake X M B J S I N H F E I A
Whale M Q D E F A W H O R Z P
Shrimp V S L C M S H R I M P T
WATER

Estuaries
An estuary is a transitional zone where a freshwater river or stream flows
into the ocean. Tides and river currents affect the salt level in estuaries,
to make the water brackish, meaning the water is a mix of salt water and
freshwater.
There are many different kinds of estuaries. Many estuaries are
highly productive ecological zones that play an important role in the life
cycles of wildlife. Estuaries act as nurseries for many ocean fish, birds,
and are even visited by sharks and marine mammals such as dolphins,
seals, and sea lions.
What types of bodies of freshwater flow into an estuary?

__________________________________________________________
What is the definition of the word brackish?

__________________________________________________________
What are three types of wildlife that can inhabit estuaries?

__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
WATER

All About Our Earth’s Ecosystems!
TROPICAL OCEANS
FIREFISH
About Tropical Oceans:
Tropical oceans are known mainly for one thing: coral reefs. Coral reefs
are often referred to as the rainforests of the ocean because of the high
diversity of animals that make them their home. Many species of fish,
such as barracuda, clownfish, angelfish, sharks, rays, triggerfish,
butterflyfish, and gobies live in reefs, as well as reptiles such as sea
turtles, mammals such as dolphins and whales, invertebrates such as
lobsters, crabs, and shrimp, and molluscs such as clams, octopus,
cuttlefish, and squid. Even coral is actually a colony of many tiny
animals living together!
Tropical Oceans Stats: YELLOW LONGNOSE

BUTTERFLYFISH
- Tropical oceans are found between the
Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of
Capricorn along the Equator.
Word Search
LAHLEONLTOHJLE
SHARKMTAOAJEBU
FKLELSNKUCOUAQ
DPLEHNRIUORERN
TRDANRESGRUGRI
UNOEKEELBADJAE
TCLAMFFSMLAACD
GLPRHAOUTNKEUE
ONHRAMGOOWCODA
JEINDRUIUENPAN
FJNINEHSAOINEJ
RACGTURTLECATD
JKEPIWHUERNDHE
SLPEJTKAIRONMN
KRCUTTLEFISHSL
- There are few true plants found in
tropical oceans, the most common being
seagrass. Everything else is either coral,
which are animals, or algae such as
seaweed and kelp.
- Many of the creatures that call tropical
ocean their home are highly adapted to
survive, especially those who live in
densely populated reefs! Camouflage
plays a big part of life in the reefs.
- The largest reef is the Great Barrier reef
off the coast of Australia. It is the largest
structure made by living organisms
(corals) and can be seen from space!
HAWAIIAN CLEANER
WRASSE
Find the tropical oceans terms below in the word

search. They can be horizontal or vertical.
1) TURTLE 5) DOLPHIN
2) CORAL 6) CUTTLEFISH
3) SHARK 7) CLAM
HAMMERHEAD 4) BARRACUDA 8) REEF
SHARK
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Coral Reefs
Directions: Use the words in the box below to solve the crossword puzzle.
coral stomach 4.
sun mollusks 1. 2. 3.
soft cay
exoskeletons polyp
5. 6.
reef ecosystems
Great Barrier Reef
7. 8.
10.
9. 11.
Across
3. Coral have some organs, including the _______________ , in common
with many other living organisms–including us!
5. A _____________ is a sedentary type of animal form with a fixed base,
columnar body, and free end with mouth and tentacles.
8. The coral reef is one of the most diverse _________________ on earth.
9.The ____________________ is the largest coral reef in the world.
11. Coral reefs get their energy from the __________________.
Down
1. Hard coral polyps make __________ to support and protect their bodies.
2. A ________________ is a small, sandy island that forms on the surface
of a coral reef.
4. Coral reefs contain twenty-five percent of all ocean life, including
organisms such as fish, worms, crustaceans, and _________________.
6. There are two kinds of coral: ___________________ and hard.
7. _________ is a sedentary invertebrate living in warm and tropical seas.
10. A coral _____________ is a ridge made of coral, existing just below the
surface of the sea.
WATER

Life in the Reef
Directions: Match the numbers in the picture to the names in the word
bank. Label and color each coral reef organism. Be sure to check your
spelling and write neatly.
Cone snail Spinner dolphin Branching coral

Sea urchin Seahorse Starfish
Crab Reef shark Clownfish
Sea anemone Hawksbill turtle Hermit crab
1. ________________________ 7. ________________________
2. ________________________ 8. ________________________
3. ________________________ 9. ________________________
4. ________________________ 10. ________________________
5. ________________________ 11. ________________________
6. ________________________ 12. ________________________
1 2
6
7
5
11 12
9 10
8
WATER

Reflection
Think about all that you have learned about aquatic biomes and their
ecosystems. Write a paragraph about what you have learned, and
include reasons why you think aquatic biomes and their wildlife
should be protected. You may want to include details about a type of
aquatic biome that you would like to visit or study further, and tell
why it interests you. Conclude your paragraph with at least one idea
for how YOU can help protect aquatic biomes.
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
WATER

Great job!
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Answer Sheets
Aquatic Biomes
What Is a Biome?
Freshwater Biomes and Saltwater Biomes
Marshes
Swamps
Super Swamp: The Florida Everglades
Swamp Food Chain
Aquatic Biomes: Oceans
Aquatic Biomes: Reefs
Aquatic Biomes: Estuaries
Tropical Ocean Ecosystem
Coral Reef Crossword
Coral Reef Animals and Plants
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Answer Sheet
What on Earth is a Biome? Answers

A biome is a large geographical area of the world characterized by similar
climate, animals, and plants. Some biomes are terrestrial (land-based),
and some are aquatic. Aquatic biomes can be freshwater biomes or
marine biomes. “Marine” biomes refer to saltwater biomes.
In other words, biomes can be categorized like this:
BIOMES
Terrestrial (land) Aquatic (water)
• Tundra • Freshwater (includes

• Forest (includes freshwater wetlands and
rainforest, temperate forest, estuaries)
chaparral, and taiga) • Marine (saltwater; includes
• Grassland (includes oceans and coral reefs)
temperate grassland and
savanna)
• Alpine
• Desert
Classify the areas below as either terrestrial or aquatic:

1. aquatic
The Great Barrier Reef: ___________________________________
2. aquatic
Arctic Ocean: ____________________________________________
3. terrestrial
Gobi Desert: ____________________________________________
4. aquatic
Lake Tahoe: _____________________________________________
5. aquatic
Florida Everglades: _______________________________________
6. terrestrial
Swiss Alps: _____________________________________________
7. aquatic
Amazon River: ___________________________________________
8. terrestrial
North American Prairie: ____________________________________
Which type of biome, terrestrial or aquatic, is bested suited for

human survival? Explain your reasoning.
(answers will vary)
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
WATER

Answer Sheet
Venn Diagram Answers

Compare and contrast freshwater and marine biomes. Record the similarities in the center, where
the two circles overlap. Record the differences in the outer parts of the circles.
Freshwater Marine (Saltwater)
• Less than 1% salt • Support large • More than 1%

• Less than 1% of the and small animals salt
Earth’s water is in • Types of organisms • Very large bodies
freshwater lakes depend on of water
• Moss may grow temperature, depth, • Algae supply most
in or near movement of water of the world’s
freshwater bodies • Animals depend on oxygen
• Many freshwater water for food and • Evaporation of
organisms depend survival marine water
•
on moss for food Plants also depend provides rainwater,

on unique snow, and fresh
conditions of water for lakes
biome and streams.
WATER
Answer Sheet
Answers
Life in the Marsh: A Freshwater Biome
A marsh is one of the three types of wetlands. The other two types are
bogs and swamps.
Directions: Use the words in the word bank to label the animals in the
marsh. Color each animal as you label it. If you aren’t sure, do the ones
you know first, and then look up the others in a dictionary
muskrat dragonflies egret marsh flies

turtle frog cattails crayfish
snail river otter raccoon fish
tadpoles mosquito larvae
marsh flies dragonflies
cattails
turtle
raccoon
frog
egret
river otter
fish
crayfish
mosquito larvae
tadpoles
snail
muskrat
WATER

Answer Sheet
Swamp Things! Answers

The Swamp: A Freshwater AND a Marine Biome
Some made-up stories have made people think that monsters live in
swamps! The truth is, there are no swamp monsters, and many
fascinating plants and animals call the swamp their home. Swamps are a
type of wetland. Swamps are areas of land that have been permanently
saturated, or filled up, by water. Swamps are usually found in warm, wet
climates, and are characterized by being heavily forested. The thick,
black, nutrient-rich soil in swamps can support the growth of
water-tolerant trees and shrubs. Some swamp creatures live below the
surface, and some live on the soft, spongy land that surrounds the
swamp. Other swamp animals, such as alligators and nutrias, spend time
both in and out of the swamp, depending on the time of day and activity.
Many plants, fish, birds, and invertebrates, like freshwater shrimp, clams,
and crayfish, and the American Crocodile, require the swamp’s particular
ecosystem to remain balanced to ensure their survival. Swamps are
usually freshwater environments, but some saltwater swamps can be
found connected to tropical coastlines.
Directions: Put the names of these wetland plants in alphabetical order.
cattail ___________________________________
bulrush
Silver Maple ___________________________________
cattail
Winterberry Holly ___________________________________
cranberry shrub
Marsh Marigold ___________________________________
duckweed
bulrush ___________________________________
Marsh Marigold
Water Lily ___________________________________
pondweed
duckweed Red Maple
___________________________________
pondweed Silver Maple
___________________________________
Red Maple Water Lily
___________________________________
cranberry shrub Winterberry Holly
___________________________________
WATER
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Answer Sheet
Super Swamp The Florida Everglades
Answers
The Florida Everglades is one of the largest swamp areas in the United
States. This freshwater swamp is commonly referred to as the “River of
Grass” because of how it looks from high above. These wetlands are
actually made from a 60-mile wide, slow-moving river that flows for 100
miles, from the Kissimmee River to the Straits of Florida. Wildlife in the
Everglades ranges from alligators to panthers, manatees to pythons, and
egrets to wood storks. While swamps were once thought to be useless or
dangerous wastelands, the Everglades actually have great ecological
value to humans. The freshwater from the Everglades supports nearby
agriculture and provides drinking water for south Florida. Wetlands also
naturally improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients and filtering
out pollutants. The Everglades also replenish aquifers and reduce the
chance of flooding. In addition to being a great natural resource, the
Everglades are a recreation area for boating, fishing, and other outdoor
activities. People travel from all over the world to experience the
Everglades’ environments and wildlife firsthand.
Directions: Use the information above to answer the following questions.
1. Name at least three animals that live in the Everglades.
________________________________________________________
Any of the following are correct: alligators, panthers, manatees,
________________________________________________________
pythons, egrets, wood storks
2. Which animal were you most surprised to learn lives in the
Everglades? _____________________________________________
(any answer is correct)
3. Describe two ways that humans use the Everglades.
________________________________________________________
Any of the following are correct: agriculture, drinking water,
________________________________________________________
absorb excess nutrients and filter out pollutants, replenish
________________________________________________________
aquifers, reduce chance of flooding, recreation.
4. Why do you think it is important to protect the Everglades’
ecosystem? _____________________________________________
(various possible answers)
WATER

Answer Sheet
Swamp Survival: The Food Chain

Answers
Directions: Use the lines to try to make at least 3 food chains by
connecting the swamp organisms below with arrows. See the example
for help.
Mosquitos
Flies
Egret
Grasshopper
Frog
Fish
Turtle
Mosquito Crayfish
Larvae Algae
Example: sunlight → algae → mosquito larvae → fish

Some possible answers: sunlight → algae → mosquito larvae → fish
sunlight → cattails → grasshopper → frog
sunlight → algae → fish → egret
sunlight → algae → crayfish → turtle
flies → frog → egret
mosquitoes → frog → egret
WATER

Answer Sheet
Oceans Answers
An ocean is a large body of saltwater. Although each ocean has its own
name, all oceans are connected to each other.
Approximately 71% of the Earth’s surface is covered in ocean, and
oceans account for 97% of all water on Earth! Oceans surround each
continent, and countless islands.
Can you name all five major oceans?

Pacific
__________________________________________________________
Atlantic
__________________________________________________________
Indian
__________________________________________________________
Southern
__________________________________________________________
Arctic
__________________________________________________________
Which one is the largest?

Pacific
__________________________________________________________
WATER

Answer Sheet
Reefs Answers
A reef is a deposit of limestone built up over a long period of time by
corals. Some get tall enough to break the surface of the ocean and
become islands!
Directions: Find each of these reef organisms in the word search below.
Reef Organisms N U D I B R A N C H K L
Z Z N S E A L I O N S H
Clam
Fireworm Y Y Y F T W A F Y N S E
Flatworm V O A G G S O A N I K M
Frogfish F L A T W O R M F A R H
Manatee E P F S H A A G N O E Q
Manta Ray I F N O T L O S W E E C
Nudibranch P Y B N C R A E T L T W
Sea Lion M A A I F E R A A I R W
Sea Snake X M B J S I N H F E I A
Whale M Q D E F A W H O R Z P
V S L C M S H R I M P T
WATER

Answer Sheet
Estuaries Answers
An estuary is a transitional zone where a freshwater river or stream flows
into the ocean. Tides and river currents affect the salt level in estuaries,
to make the water brackish, meaning the water is a mix of salt water and
freshwater.
There are many different kinds of estuaries. Many estuaries are
highly productive ecological zones that play an important role in the life
cycles of wildlife. Estuaries act as nurseries for many ocean fish, birds,
and are even visited by sharks and marine mammals such as dolphins,
What types of bodies of freshwater flow into an estuary?

__________________________________________________________
rivers, streams
What is the definition of the word brackish?

Brackish water is a mix of freshwater and salt water.
__________________________________________________________
What are three types of wildlife that can inhabit estuaries?

Any of the following are correct: ocean fish, birds, sharks, dolphins,
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
WATER

Answer Sheet
All About Our Earth’s Ecosystems!
TROPICAL OCEANS
FIREFISH
About Tropical Oceans:
Tropical oceans are known mainly for one thing: coral reefs. Coral reefs
are often referred to as the rainforests of the ocean because of the high
diversity of animals that make them their home. Many species of fish,
such as barracuda, clownfish, angelfish, sharks, rays, triggerfish,
butterflyfish, and gobies live in reefs, as well as reptiles such as sea
turtles, mammals such as dolphins and whales, invertebrates such as
lobsters, crabs, and shrimp, and molluscs such as clams, octopus,
cuttlefish, and squid. Even coral is actually a colony of many tiny
animals living together!
Tropical Oceans Stats: YELLOW LONGNOSE

BUTTERFLYFISH
- Tropical oceans are found between the
Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of
Capricorn along the Equator.
Word Search
LAHLEONLTOHJLE
SHARKMTAOAJEBU
FKLELSNKUCOUAQ
DPLEHNRIUORERN
TRDANRESGRUGRI
UNOEKEELBADJAE
TCLAMFFSMLAACD
GLPRHAOUTNKEUE
ONHRAMGOOWCODA
JEINDRUIUENPAN
FJNINEHSAOINEJ
RACGTURTLECATD
JKEPIWHUERNDHE
SLPEJTKAIRONMN
KRCUTTLEFISHSL
- There are few true plants found in
tropical oceans, the most common being
seagrass. Everything else is either coral,
which are animals, or algae such as
seaweed and kelp.
- Many of the creatures that call tropical
ocean their home are highly adapted to
survive, especially those who live in
densely populated reefs! Camouflage
plays a big part of life in the reefs.
- The largest reef is the Great Barrier reef
off the coast of Australia. It is the largest
structure made by living organisms
(corals) and can be seen from space!
HAWAIIAN CLEANER
WRASSE
Find the tropical oceans terms below in the word

search. They can be horizontal or vertical.
1) TURTLE 5) DOLPHIN
2) CORAL 6) CUTTLEFISH
3) SHARK 7) CLAM
HAMMERHEAD 4) BARRACUDA 8) REEF
SHARK
Copyright © 2011-2012
2010-2011 by Education.com More worksheets at www.education.com/worksheets
Answer Sheet
Coral Reefs Answers

Directions: Use the words in the box below to solve the crossword puzzle.
coral stomach 4.
ex sk l tons
ca
sun mollusks 1. 2. 3. s tomach
ollu k
soft cay
sof
exoskeletons polyp
6.
reef ecosystems 5. po l yp
Great Barrier Reef
co al
7. 8. e c o s y s t e ms
10.
9. g reat b ar r i er r ee f 11. sun
eef
Across
3. Coral have some organs, including the _______________ , in common
with many other living organisms--including us!
5. A _____________ is a sedentary type of animal form with a fixed base,
columnar body, and free end with mouth and tentacles.
8. The coral reef is one of the most diverse _________________ on earth.
9.The ____________________ is the largest coral reef in the world.
11. Coral reefs get their energy from the __________________.
Down
1. Hard coral polyps make __________ to support and protect their bodies.
2. A ________________ is a small, sandy island that forms on the surface
of a coral reef.
4. Coral reefs contain twenty-five percent of all ocean life, including
organisms such as fish, worms, crustaceans, and _________________.
6. There are two kinds of coral: ___________________ and hard.
7. _________ is a sedentary invertebrate living in warm and tropical seas.
10. A coral _____________ is a ridge made of coral, existing just below the
surface of the sea.
WATER

Answer Sheet
Life in the Reef Answers

Directions: Match the numbers in the picture to the names in the word
bank. Label and color each coral reef organism. Be sure to check your
spelling and write neatly.
Cone snail Spinner dolphin Branching coral

Sea urchin Seahorse Starfish
Crab Reef shark Clownfish
Sea anemone Hawksbill turtle Hermit crab
Starfish
1. ________________________ Hermit Crab
7. ________________________
Spinner Dolphin
2. ________________________ Cone Snail
8. ________________________
Reef Shark
3. ________________________ Sea Urchin
9. ________________________
Hawksbill Turtle
4. ________________________ Crab
10. ________________________
Seahorse
5. ________________________ Clownfish
11. ________________________
Branching Coral
6. ________________________ Sea Anemone
12. ________________________
1 2
6
7
5
11 12
9 10
8
WATER


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What are the different types of aquatic biomes discussed in the document?

What are the different types of aquatic biomes discussed in the document?

What are some characteristics of coral reefs?

What are some characteristics of coral reefs?

Aquatic Biomes 4

* Has an Answer Sheet

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• Tundra • Freshwater (includes

Classify the areas below as either terrestrial or aquatic:

Which type of biome, terrestrial or aquatic, is bested suited for

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Freshwater Marine (Saltwater)

Why do you think it is important to conserve wetlands?

Do you live near any wetlands that you can visit?

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muskrat dragonflies egret marsh flies

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Energy enters the

Green plants are eaten

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A fly flies along and gets caught in

The food chain can continue

If the jay gets caught by a weasel, then the

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Example: sunlight → algae → mosquito larvae → fish

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Can you name all five major oceans?

Which one is the largest?

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What types of bodies of freshwater flow into an estuary?

What is the definition of the word brackish?

What are three types of wildlife that can inhabit estuaries?

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Tropical Oceans Stats: YELLOW LONGNOSE

Find the tropical oceans terms below in the word

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Cone snail Spinner dolphin Branching coral

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What on Earth is a Biome? Answers

• Tundra • Freshwater (includes

Classify the areas below as either terrestrial or aquatic:

Which type of biome, terrestrial or aquatic, is bested suited for

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Venn Diagram Answers

Freshwater Marine (Saltwater)

• Less than 1% salt • Support large • More than 1%

on moss for food Plants also depend provides rainwater,

muskrat dragonflies egret marsh flies

marsh flies dragonflies

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Swamp Things! Answers

Super Swamp The Florida Everglades

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Swamp Survival: The Food Chain