The pelagic zone is the open ocean area that lies beyond the coastal regions and the continental shelf. It is characterized by deep waters and is divided into different layers based on depth, light penetration, and temperature. This zone is home to a variety of marine life, including fish, whales, and plankton, which thrive in its vast, nutrient-rich waters. In the pelagic zone, organisms are categorized into two main groups: nekton, which are active swimmers like fish and squid, and plankton, which drift with ocean currents. The pelagic zone plays a crucial role in the Earth's ecosystem, supporting biodiversity and influencing global climate patterns.