* Sunlight: The neritic zone extends from the shoreline to the edge of the continental shelf. This shallow depth allows sunlight to penetrate, supporting photosynthesis by phytoplankton, the base of the marine food web.
* Nutrients: Runoff from rivers and land carries nutrients into the neritic zone, further fueling the growth of phytoplankton and supporting a diverse ecosystem.
* Warm Temperatures: The shallower depths of the neritic zone tend to be warmer than the deeper ocean, creating a favorable environment for a variety of organisms.
* Abundant Food Sources: The abundance of phytoplankton and other producers attracts a wide range of consumers, creating a complex and interconnected food web.
In short: The combination of sunlight, nutrients, favorable temperatures, and abundant food sources makes the neritic zone an extremely productive and biodiverse region of the ocean. This is why it supports a large majority of marine life.
