Among some academics, the ultimate layer of the earth that contains habitable life is called the “biosphere.” The term became popular when scientists began to argue that smaller biomes couldn’t be separated from one another. Just as oceans depend on land-borne plant and animal life, humans and other animals on land depend on the oceans. How is human life dependent on oceans? Here are few ways that ocean and land ecosystems are interconnected.
The Land and Oceans Allow Each Other to Breathe
Living creatures depend on relatively specific environmental conditions to stay alive. For many organisms, a steady supply of oxygen and carbon dioxide in particular quantities is always necessary. Rather conveniently, animals produce carbon dioxide that plants need to survive by breathing, while plants produce oxygen that animals need by diffusing it into the atmosphere. Though a similar process takes place in the ocean, the ocean itself absorbs a massive amount of carbon each year. This has mitigated the harm to living creatures caused by historical fluctuations in the gasses in the environment.
Humans and Other Animals Depend on Seafood
A staggering proportion of the human population lives near a major coastline. Naturally, an equally large proportion relies on seafood for a significant part of their diet. Since many land-based and marine animals also rely on caught fish and shellfish, populations of food species have recently begun to decline to desperate levels.
The Oceans Circulate Air and Warm Temperatures
Have you ever wondered why England or France are so temperate when they exist on the same latitude as remote parts of Canada? The circulating currents of the ocean have a direct effect on the climate on land. Major currents work as a kind of conveyer belt, producing weather and temperature variations. This process has a regulating effect on the temperature of the planet, as the currents responsible for transporting warm water to the poles don’t become overheated like they would if they were standing still. Consider this the next time you go whale watching Carlsbad California in the temperate California Seas.
Life Began in the Oceans
Were it not for the oceans, there would be no life on land. All terrestrial lifeforms, including humans, evolved from previous forms of aquatic life. Though humans have come quite far since then, it is still possible to find certain shared features between people and fish. In fact, human embryos still bear structures called gill arches that would have become gills during the early stages of evolution. Land and aquatic mammals share much more in common, as both categories of organisms are highly intelligent and dependent on oxygen from the air.
If you have been thinking about the ocean, consider planning a trip to the coast. Perhaps the best way to appreciate the importance and vastness of the ocean is to book a whale watching tour. San Diego offers some of the best blue and orca whale watching California has to offer. From breaching migratory whales to spinner dolphins, it also features some of the most exciting sightseeing opportunities for eco-friendly travelers.
Hi there! I’m Sethu, your go-to guy for all things tech, travel, internet, movies, and business tips. I love sharing insights and stories that make life more interesting. Let’s explore the world together, one article at a time!
