A strait is a narrow body of water that connects two larger bodies of water, such as seas or oceans. Straits are important for navigation, as they often serve as key routes for ships traveling between different regions. They can also influence local climates and ecosystems due to the mixing of waters. Some well-known examples of straits include the Strait of Gibraltar, which connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea, and the Bering Strait, which separates Russia from Alaska. Straits can vary in width and depth, affecting maritime traffic and marine life in the area.