Littoral zone

The littoral zone is like the beach of a lake or ocean. When you go to the beach, you can stand in the water where it's not too deep and where the waves come up to the sand. The littoral zone is kind of like that, but in a lake or ocean.

In the littoral zone, the water is shallow enough that there are plants growing on the bottom, like seaweed or rocks covered in moss. Small animals and fish like to hang out in this part of the water because it's easier to find food and hide from bigger animals that might want to eat them.

Some people like to swim or play in the littoral zone because the water is warm and the waves aren't too strong. But you have to be careful, because sometimes there are sharp rocks or pieces of glass that can hurt your feet. It's also important to be kind to the plants and animals living there, and not litter or throw things in the water that don't belong there.