Tag

Open Ocean

All articles tagged with #open ocean

"Orcas' Savage Tactics: Thriving as Apex Predators in the Open Sea"

Originally Published 1 year ago — by National Geographic

Scientists have discovered a potential new population of killer whales, dubbed the oceanics, that thrive in the open ocean and hunt large whales and other sizable prey. These orcas, distinct from known ecotypes, have been observed in the North Pacific, displaying unique physical characteristics and feeding behaviors. The study suggests that the oceanics may have formed as prey drew them farther from shore, and further research is needed to understand this mysterious population's genetic makeup and ecological impact.

science marine-biology killer-whales marine-biology marine-ecology open-ocean orcas prey

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch: A Thriving Ecosystem for Coastal Species.

Originally Published 2 years ago — by Yahoo! Voices

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a large concentration of plastic debris in the Pacific Ocean, is also an ecosystem hosting a variety of sea creatures that cling to the debris. A recent study found 46 different species of invertebrates living on the debris, with the vast majority being species that are typically only found along coastlines. The findings contradict the assumption that coastal species could not survive in areas of open ocean.

world environment coastal-species environment great-pacific-garbage-patch marine-life open-ocean plastic-pollution