Deep sea Quote by Richard Ellis
““All food available in the depths of the ocean is animal matter, and the food chain depends upon the constant rain of minuscule particles ('undersea snow') from the surface layers, usually the remains of animals that have died. 'When I think of the floor of the deep sea,' wrote Rachel Carson, 'the single overwhelming fact that possesses my imagination is the accumulation of sediments. I always see the steady, unremitting, downward drift of materials from above, flake upon flake, layer upon layer - a drift that has continued for hundreds of millions of years, that will go on as long as there are seas and continents.' Life in the depths depends upon death in the shallows.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Ocean of Life by Callum Roberts, 2012
Deep sea life relies on particles falling from surface, linking surface death to deep ecosystems.
In simple terms: Deep sea depends on surface death particles.
Key Takeaway
Recognize interconnectedness of ecosystems.
Themes
interdependence
ecosystems
death
energy flow
Mood
reflective
inquisitive
Type
scientific
educational
When to use this quote
- research
- conservation
- education
- policy making
Key Concepts
marine biology
food webs
sediment transport
Questions to Reflect On
- How does surface death shape deep life?
- What other inputs support deep ecosystems?
A Different Perspective
Surface mortality may be overstated; other energy sources exist.
