Book 6, Question 92
Why Are Seagrass Beds Called Nurseries?
Seagrass is a real flowering plant that grows in shallow sea water. Its blades make a leafy maze where young fish, crabs, and turtles find food and cover. That is why scientists call seagrass beds nurseries!
From the book
Page from A Million Whys Book 6
More fun facts
- Seagrasses are flowering plants that live completely underwater in shallow coastal water.
- Seagrass beds give food and shelter to young fish and animals like California spiny lobsters.
- Manatees, green sea turtles and water birds all eat seagrass.
- Turtle grass is the most common seagrass in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
- Manatee grass is another common seagrass in shallow Gulf and Caribbean waters.
- Seagrass needs shallow water, where sunlight can reach the seafloor.
Sources: NOAA, National Park Service, National Park Service, NOAA
Questions kids ask
Is seagrass a seaweed?
No. Seagrasses are flowering plants that grow underwater.