Fun Facts About the Ocean for Kids
The ocean is a vast and mysterious place that covers more than 70% of the earth’s surface. It is home to thousands of species of plants and animals and plays a vital role in regulating the climate. Here are some fun and fascinating facts about the ocean that kids will love.
1. The ocean is the largest habitat on earth. It covers over 70% of the planet’s surface and contains 97% of the earth’s water.
2. The ocean is home to the world’s largest living creature, the blue whale, which can grow up to 100 feet long and weigh as much as 200 tons.
3. The ocean is so deep that if you were to put Mount Everest at the bottom of it, its peak would still be more than a mile below the surface.
4. The sound travels much faster in water than in air. This is because water is denser than air, allowing sound waves to travel a greater distance.
5. The ocean is a source of food for millions of people around the world. Fish, shellfish, and seaweed are just a few of the many edible creatures found in the ocean.
6. The ocean is also a source of medicine. Scientists have discovered many promising drugs from marine animals and plants that could one day help cure diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s.
7. The ocean is not blue. In fact, the color of the ocean is determined by a variety of factors, such as the depth of the water, the amount of algae, and the amount of sunlight.
8. The ocean has its own weather patterns. Hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones are all storms that can form over the ocean.
9. The ocean is responsible for producing almost half of the oxygen we breathe. Tiny plants called phytoplankton, which live in the ocean, produce large amounts of oxygen through a process called photosynthesis.
10. The ocean is home to some of the oldest living creatures on earth. Some species of coral and certain types of clam can live for hundreds or even thousands of years.