Challenges and survival strategies

The deep sea environment has many challenges. Pressure is very high, because of the weight of water pressing down on the sea floor, and there is very little heat and light.

What are the difficulties faced by deep sea creatures and how have they adapted to live in these conditions?

Darkness

Below 1km deep in the oceans, it is completely dark. Find out about the adaptations that have allowed deep sea creatures to survive without light.
Pressure

The pressure at the bottom of the ocean is many times greater than on the surface, and it increases as you move deeper into the sea. How do marine creatures cope?
Buoyancy

How do some fish and other sea creatures stay buoyant in the water while they are hunting for food? Find out here.
Salt water and ocean currents

Learn about some of the challenges to life in the oceans, including the lack of fresh water and unstable conditions caused by deep ocean currents and tides.
Finding food

Food is scarce in the deep sea. There is no sunlight and so photosynthesis, and the production of new food, is impossible. So how do deep sea creatures survive?
Temperature

How cold are the depths of the oceans where sunlight never reaches? Find out about the range of temperatures in the ocean, and the cold deep sea conditions that marine life has to survive in.