Exploring the Ocean Floor in the Classroom Through Benthic Organisms

Abstract

Exploring the ocean floor by studying benthic organisms offers a unique opportunity to understand marine ecosystems. Benthic organisms, which live on the ocean floor, play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity, the food chain, and the balance of the marine environment. In the classroom, students can study the unique characteristics of these organisms, such as their morphology, their adaptations to the environment, and their importance to life on Earth.Additionally, benthic organisms serve as natural records of geological and ecological history. By examining fossils or the chemical markers they contain, scientists gain valuable insights into the Earth's past, such as climate changes and the evolution of life. At the same time, studying their current adaptations to environmental pressures provides evidence about future challenges and changes in ecosystems. Through activities such as simulations, microscopic observations, and data analysis, students develop environmental awareness and scientific thinking, while enriching their understanding of the dynamic relationship between the past, present, and future in the oceans Keywords: Benthic organisms, Ocean floor exploration, Geological history, Climate change, Environmental education, Scientific thinking, Ecological balance, Marine biodiversity conservation, Classroom simulations

Keywords

Identifiers

DOI

10.5194/egusphere-egu25-3235

Journal

Unknown journal

Year

2025