Differentiation between Marine, Flora, and Fauna – Three Types of Life Ecosystem
| Life Ecosystem | Definition | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Marine | Refers to anything related to the ocean, seas, and saltwater ecosystems. It includes marine life, ecosystems, and activities. | Coral reefs, fish, whales, dolphins, seaweed, marine plants, and ocean currents. |
| Flora | Represents the plant life of a particular region, environment, or period. It includes all types of plants, trees, shrubs, and flowers. | Oak trees, roses, grass, ferns, cacti, algae, and mosses. |
| Fauna | Refers to animal life found in a specific region, environment, or period. It includes both terrestrial and aquatic animals. | Lions, elephants, birds, insects, fish, reptiles, and amphibians. |
Interesting facts about Marine, Flora, and Fauna
Marine (Ocean & Sea Life) Facts:
- Oceans cover about 71% of the Earth’s surface and contain 97% of the Earth’s water (NOAA).
- The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is the largest coral reef system in the world, spanning over 2,300 km.
- The ocean produces at least 50% of the oxygen we breathe, thanks to marine plants like phytoplankton.
- More than 80% of the ocean remains unexplored and unmapped by humans (NOAA).
- The deepest point on Earth, the Mariana Trench, is about 11 km (36,000 feet) deep.
- The blue whale, the largest animal on Earth, lives in the ocean and can grow up to 100 feet long and weigh 200 tons.
Flora (Plant Life) Facts:
- There are about 390,900 known plant species in the world (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew).
- Bamboo is the fastest-growing plant, capable of growing up to 91 cm (35 inches) per day.
- The Amazon Rainforest produces 20% of the world’s oxygen and is home to over 40,000 plant species.
- The world’s oldest tree, the Methuselah tree (a bristlecone pine in California), is over 4,800 years old.
- Titan Arum, also known as the “corpse flower,” produces the largest flower bloom but smells like rotten meat.
- The Welwitschia plant, found in the Namib Desert, can survive for over 1,000 years with just two leaves.
Fauna (Animal Life) Facts:
- Scientists estimate there are about 8.7 million species of animals, but 86% of land species and 91% of marine species are yet to be discovered.
- The cheetah is the fastest land animal, reaching speeds of up to 120 km/h (75 mph).
- The Arctic Tern has the longest migration of any animal, traveling over 70,000 km (43,500 miles) yearly.
- Elephants have the largest brains of any land animal, weighing about 5 kg (11 pounds).
- Some species of turtles and sharks can live over 150 years.
- The Pistol Shrimp can create a bubble so fast and hot that it reaches temperatures close to 4,400°C (7,950°F), nearly as hot as the Sun’s surface.
FAQs
Flora refers to plants found in a particular region, while fauna refers to animals living in that region. For example, forests have flora like trees and grass, while fauna includes birds, insects, and mammals.
Marine life plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by:
► Producing 50% of the world’s oxygen (via phytoplankton)
► Absorbing carbon dioxide and helping combat climate change
► Providing food and livelihoods for millions of people
Scientists estimate there are around 390,900 known plant species, but many are yet to be discovered. The Amazon Rainforest alone has over 40,000 species of plants.
► Fastest land animal: Cheetah, reaching speeds of 120 km/h (75 mph).
► Fastest marine animal: Sailfish, reaching speeds of 68 mph (110 km/h).
The largest living organism is the Armillaria ostoyae (honey fungus) in Oregon, USA. It covers over 3.8 km² (9.6 square miles) and is estimated to be thousands of years old.
