meertierig

Meertierig is a term that describes an animal that lives in the sea. This broad classification encompasses a vast array of life forms, from microscopic plankton to the largest whales. Marine animals have adapted to a wide range of aquatic environments, including oceans, seas, estuaries, and coral reefs. These adaptations can include specialized respiratory systems, such as gills for extracting oxygen from water, and streamlined bodies for efficient movement.

The diversity of meertierig is extraordinary. They inhabit all depths of the ocean, from the sunlit surface waters teeming with photosynthetic organisms to the dark, cold abyssal plains. Their diets vary significantly, with some being filter feeders, others predators, and many playing crucial roles in the marine food web. Examples of marine animals include fish, marine mammals like dolphins and seals, invertebrates such as jellyfish and crabs, and marine reptiles like sea turtles. Their existence is intrinsically linked to the health of marine ecosystems, and they are often indicators of environmental changes.