What are the differences between lakes and oceans?

Though both lakes and oceans are water bodies, there are a number of differences between them. These differences are listed:

• Lakes, while fairly large, are smaller in size than oceans.


• There are a large number of lakes in the world, but only four oceans (Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Arctic Ocean, and Atlantic Ocean). 


• Lakes usually contain freshwater, whereas oceans contain saltwater. 


• Lake water has lesser buoyancy as compared to salt water of the oceans.


• Lakes have less diversity of life forms, while oceans have a larger diversity of life forms, in part because they are larger and can support more plants and animals.


• Lakes can be artificially created, while oceans cannot be.


• Lakes can dry up during part of the year (not all lakes do this). Oceans, on the other hand, always contain water.

Hope this helps.