The oceans are a global expanse of water consisting of four zones; intertidal, neritic, bathyal, and abyssal.

The intertidal zone is the area of the ocean and land that experiences high and low tides. Organisms in this zone must be specially adapted to withstand times of being fully submerged and emerged. They must also be adapted to the wave actions.

The neritic zone extend from the intertidal zone to the edge of the continental shelf. It contains the top layer of open ocean waters that sunlight reaches. Most free swimming organisms such as Dolphins, whales, sharks, and other fish are found in this area. It also contains the plankton that is the base of the ocean food chain.

The bathyal zone contains the area of the ocean floor from the continental shelf out. This water in area is usually murky because of the sand and silt. The deeper areas of the bathyal zone are completely dark. Organisms that live in this area have to withstand incredible water pressure and often burrow in the silt.

The abyssal zone are the areas of the ocean floor that contain the trenches. These trenches can be as deep as 7 miles underwater. The abyssal zone is in complete darkness and rely on hydrothermal vents to feed chemosynthetic organisms. These organisms are the base of the food web in the abyssal zone. Some organisms are able to make their own light through boil luminescent bacteria.

Coral reefs are found in tropical areas where the water remains warm all year. Coral reefs are made of corals that rely on algae for food. Hundreds of species of fish, sea stars, and sponges live amongst the corals. The coral reef is very sensitive to any environmental change.

Kelp forests exist in cool coastal waters that are rich in nutrients. The seaweed kelp grows from the ocean floor up to the surface. The kelp provides food and habitat for many organisms such as fish and sea lions.

An estuary is an area where a river empties into the ocean. Because of this there is a mixing of salt and fresh water. Estuaries are very rich in nutrients from the land the allows a large number of species to thrive there. Organisms in these are have to adapt to the varied salinity of the water. Humans rely on estuaries to provide many food sources to us.

A wetland is an area of land is at least partially submerged with water at some point during the year. There are three types of wetlands; marshes, swamps, and bogs. The different types of wetlands are distinguished by the type of plants. Wetlands provide habitats for many organisms. They also filter dirty water.

A marsh is a wetland that contains mainly grasses and small shrubs

Swamps contain many woody plants including trees and taller shrubs.

A bog or mire is a wetland that has a layer of moss and other decomposing plant material called peat.

A watershed is a region of land that drains into a stream or river. Waynesboro is part of the Antietam watershed, which is a part of the larger Chesapeake bay watershed.

Rivers and streams originated from a watershed usually in the mountains. The flow towards a larger body of water eventually reaching the ocean. Rivers and streams flow at dire rent speeds which will affect the type of organism that can live there.

Ponds and lakes are a body of freshwater surrounded by land. Lakes are larger than ponds. There are three zones of lakes and ponds; the littoral, limnetic, and benthic zones.

The littoral zone is along the edge of a lake or pond where it is shallow warm and well-lit. Organisms such as small fish, insects, and grass plants live here.

The limnetic zone is the top layer of open water in the center of a pond or lake. This area still receives sunlight and therefore is still warm. Plankton and many types of fish are found in the limnetic zone.

The benthic zone is the bottom of a lake or pond. This areas receives less sunlight and therefore is cooler. Bottom dwellers and decomposes live in the muck on the bottom.