8th grade essay on marine habitats

Question

Tip: Your plan should include the prewriting steps listed in this lesson, such as a narrowed topic, notes, and an outline.
After your student chooses a topic, have them read a brief overview or two. This will help provide enough information to help them narrow the topic. Review your student’s concept web and research focus before they proceed to the next step.
Remind your student to keep a numbered list of research sources used.
Review your student’s notecards and work with them to use the cards to create an outline.

Answer 1

Narrowed Topic: The Importance of Marine Habitats and their Biodiversity

Notes:

1. Definition of marine habitats
- Marine habitats refer to areas in the oceans and seas that provide a suitable environment for marine organisms to live and thrive.
- These habitats can be classified into different types, including coral reefs, kelp forests, estuaries, and open ocean zones.

2. Biodiversity in marine habitats
- Marine habitats support a diverse array of species, including fish, mammals, birds, and invertebrates.
- Biodiversity is crucial for the overall health and functioning of marine ecosystems.

3. Ecosystem services provided by marine habitats
- Marine habitats provide various ecosystem services, such as oxygen production, carbon sequestration, and regulation of climate patterns.
- They also support commercial and recreational activities, such as fishing, tourism, and water sports.

4. Threats to marine habitats and biodiversity
- Human activities, such as overfishing, pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change, pose significant threats to marine habitats and their biodiversity.
- These threats can result in the loss of species, disruption of ecological balance, and negative impacts on human livelihoods.

Outline:

I. Introduction
- Definition and importance of marine habitats
- Thesis statement: Marine habitats play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity and providing various ecosystem services.

II. Biodiversity in marine habitats
- Explanation of the diverse range of species found in marine habitats
- Importance of biodiversity for the overall health of marine ecosystems

III. Ecosystem services provided by marine habitats
- Oxygen production and carbon sequestration
- Regulation of climate patterns
- Support for commercial and recreational activities

IV. Threats to marine habitats and biodiversity
- Overfishing and its impacts on fish populations
- Pollution and its effects on marine organisms
- Habitat destruction, coral bleaching, and loss of habitat
- Climate change and ocean acidification

V. Conclusion
- Recap of the importance of marine habitats and their biodiversity
- Call to action for conservation and protection of marine habitats.

Note: The student should use their numbered list of research sources to cite their information in the essay. Additionally, the notecards created during the research process can be used as references while writing each section of the essay.