Ocean currents play a crucial role in shaping the distribution of marine life by influencing the movement of nutrients, temperature, and salinity levels in the ocean. These factors, in turn, determine the availability of food sources and habitats for various marine species. For example, warm ocean currents can create favorable conditions for tropical species, while cold currents can support the survival of cold-water species. Additionally, ocean currents can also help disperse plankton and other small organisms, which form the base of the marine food chain, thus affecting the distribution of larger marine animals.