Ocean currents play a crucial role in shaping the distribution of marine life by influencing the movement of nutrients, temperature, and oxygen levels in the ocean. They can transport larvae, plankton, and other organisms to different regions, affecting their dispersal and colonization patterns. Additionally, ocean currents can create upwelling zones where nutrient-rich waters rise to the surface, supporting the growth of phytoplankton and subsequently higher trophic levels of marine organisms. Overall, ocean currents act as a natural conveyor belt that helps determine where different species of marine life thrive and how they are interconnected within ecosystems.