merieläin

Merieläin is a Finnish term that translates to "marine animal" or "sea creature." It broadly encompasses any animal that lives in the ocean. This vast category includes an incredible diversity of life, from microscopic plankton to the largest whales.

Marine animals exhibit a wide range of adaptations to their aquatic environment. These include specialized respiratory systems like gills for extracting oxygen from water, fins or flippers for efficient movement, and in some cases, streamlined bodies to reduce drag. Their diets also vary significantly, with some being herbivores, others carnivores, and many being omnivores or detritivores.

The ocean ecosystem is complex, and marine animals play crucial roles within it. For example, phytoplankton, which are microscopic marine algae, form the base of many food webs through photosynthesis. Larger animals like fish, marine mammals, and invertebrates occupy various trophic levels, influencing populations below and above them.

Examples of marine animals include fish such as cod and tuna, mammals like seals and dolphins, invertebrates like jellyfish and crabs, and even reptiles such as sea turtles. The study of these creatures falls under the scientific discipline of marine biology. Many marine animals are of significant importance to human activities, including fishing and tourism, and are also subject to conservation efforts due to threats like pollution and overfishing.