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Pelagic for Dummies

adjective

pronunciation: pə'lædʒɪk

What does Pelagic really mean?

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Pelagic is a word that might sound a bit strange at first, but don't worry, I'm here to help you understand it! The word "pelagic" refers to something that is related to the open sea or the ocean. It describes anything that lives or happens in the vast waters of the ocean. This means that if a fish or any other creature lives its whole life in the ocean without needing to go to the shore or near land, it can be called pelagic.

Imagine you are taking a trip to the beach and you're standing on the shore, looking out at the waves. The part of the ocean where you are standing, where you can dip your toes in the water, is actually called the littoral zone. But if you keep looking beyond that, as far as your eyes can see, that's where the pelagic zone starts. It's like a whole different world out there, filled with all sorts of creatures and plants that have adapted to live in the deep and open waters. So when we say something is "pelagic," we are talking about this vast, mysterious part of the ocean.

Another way to explain "pelagic" is by comparing it to a big swimming pool. You know how when you dive into a pool, you can swim around freely, but there are also areas that are shallow and close to the edge? Those shallow areas near the edge are like the littoral zone, where you can still touch the bottom or see the shore. But the big, deep part of the pool, where you can't touch the bottom anymore and you can swim around freely, that's the pelagic zone. It's like the endless ocean, where creatures can explore and live in the vastness of the open water.

So, in simple words, "pelagic" means anything that is related to the open sea or the ocean, specifically the part where creatures live and things happen in the deep and vast waters, far away from the shore or land. It's like a whole different world underwater. Is it starting to make more sense now?


Revised and Fact checked by Liam Lewis on 2023-10-29 19:23:41

Pelagic In a sentece

Learn how to use Pelagic inside a sentece

  • Many species of fish, like tuna and sharks, live in the pelagic zone of the ocean, swimming freely in the open water.
  • Sailors enjoy sighting pelagic birds, such as albatrosses, which spend most of their lives soaring above the open ocean.
  • Some whales, like the blue whale, are considered pelagic because they travel and feed in the open sea, far away from coastal areas.
  • The pelagic ecosystem is home to various small organisms called zooplankton, which float and swim in the upper layers of the ocean.
  • Dolphins are known for their acrobatic displays and often leap out of the water while swimming in the pelagic regions of the ocean.

Pelagic Synonyms

Words that can be interchanged for the original word in the same context.

Pelagic Pertains To

Words to which the original word is relevant

sea