Marine Organism Adaptations

A variety of adaptations help organisms survive in their marine environments. Some marine mammals have adapted to major drops in temperature by having an insulating blubber layer on their bodies. Other marine organisms have adapted to living in the high pressure of a water environment by developing without air pockets, such as lungs and ear canals, so that the intense pressure is not a factor. Camouflage is an adaptation to prevent being preyed upon, as well as a tool to remain hidden from potential prey. Fish gills are adaptations to extract oxygen from the surrounding water. Gills also serve to remove salt from the surrounding water to satisfy fishes’ daily water requirements. Many marine organisms have a streamlined shape to help them move easily through the water. Other adaptations include bioluminescence, which can help organisms attract or illuminate prey.