biodiversity varying with depth and latitude

• epipelagic zone (0 - 200 m):

  Biodiversity: high. Abundant sunlight, supporting photosynthesis, and a high primary productivity that fuels diverse marine life, including phytoplankton, zooplankton, fish, and large predators like sharks and whales. Factors: light availability, warm temperatures, and nutrients. Coral reefs, seagrass beds, and kelp forests are prominent ecosystems in this zone
• mesopelagic (200 - 1000 m):

  biodiversity: moderate. Also known as the twilight zone, this area receives minimal light, insufficient for photosynthesis. Bioluminescent organisms are common, and the zone includes a variety of fish, cephalopods, and crustaceans. Factors: decreased light and lower temperatures lead to a decline in primary productivity. Organisms here often exhibit adaptations like bioluminescence.
• bathypelagic zone (1000 - 4000 meters):

  biodiversity: lower. Completely dark, except for bioluminescence. It hosts fewer species, including deep-sea fish, giant squid, and various invertebrates. Factors: lack of light, cold temperatures, high pressure. Organisms rely on detritus falling from above (marine snow) or specialized feeding strategies.
• abyssopelagic zone (4000 - 6000 m):

  biodiversity: low. This dark zone houses abyssal fish, tube worms, and deep-sea shrimp, adapted to extreme conditions. Factors: extreme pressure, near-freezing temperatures, and limited food sources.
• Hadal zone: (6000 m and below):

  biodiversity: very low. Found in deep ocean trenches, amphipods and bacteria. Factors: extreme pressure and sparse food.
• tropical regions:

  biodiversity: very high. Coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds. Factors: warm stable temperatures, high primary productivity, variety of habitats. Coral reefs contribute to productivity