ocean bottom ecology

"Discover the tiny . . . world of underwater habitats on sunken ships that become artificial reefs"--Provided by publisher.

Explores the bottom of the world's oceans and the life forms that live there. Includes first-person accounts from scientists that answer questions about scavenging and parasitic creatures and how they survive.

Describes what deep ocean hypothermal vents are, how they were discovered, and the types of animals that live in their ecosystems, including the Pompeii worm, tube worms, and vent octopuses. Also discusses the importance of these ecosystems and how more are being discovered each year. Includes a list of facts about the deep ocean and a glossary.

"When ships sink to the ocean floor, the ocean transforms them into artificial reefs. This new life begins with the growth of coral polyps and the arrival of small plankton, followed by schools of fish and hungry predators, until the ship is home to hundreds of sea creatures. It's a magical transformation from relic to reef that helps bring life back to struggling ocean ecosystems"--.