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Aquatic Ecosystems

Terms in this set (42)

Aquatic Biome
Consists of marine biome, estuary biome, and freshwater biome. Takes up 3/4 of the Earth. Contains the largest amount of biomass.
Aquatic Ecosystem's 3 Factors
1. The ability of sun's rays to penetrate the water
2. Water temperature
3. The amount of dissolved nutrients and oxygens
The 3 Types of Freshwater Ecosystems include...
1. Ponds and Lakes
2. Rivers and Streams
3. Wetland
The 3 Types of Aquatic Organisms
1. Planktons
2. Nektons
3. Benthos
Planktons
They are the basis of the food chain. They float near the surface of the water.
The 2 Types of Planktons
Phytoplankton and zooplankton
Nektons
They are strong swimmers and are independent of water currents.
Examples of Nektons
Fish, turtles, dolphins, and whales
Benthos
They are bottom- dwelling organisms.
Examples of Benthos
Mussels, worms, barnacles, sponges, sea stars
Zooplankton
Microscopic animals that eat other plankton
A factor that determines different types of aquatic ecosystems
Water temperature
Littoral Zones
The warmest zone since its shallow where larger animals feed.
Organisms in Littoral Zone
Algae, rooted and flowing aquatic plants, snails, clams, insects, eggs, larvae
Limnetic Zone
Located near surface open water. It is well- lighted and dominated by plankton.
Profundal Zone
Coldest zone with little light and low oxygen levels
The difference between Littoral Zone and Benthic Zone
Littoral Zones are the topmost zone of a lake or pond while the Benthic Zones (profundal zone) are near the bottom of a lake or a pond.
Organisms in Benthic Zone
Clams and mussels
Special adaptation catfish have that allow it to survive in the dark habitat
Whiskers that feel the vibration of the water
In regions where lakes partially freeze in winter, what do amphibians do to avoid freezing?
Burrow into Littoral Zone
How do decomposers obtain food?
They absorb it from dead organisms
What are detritivores?
Animals that feed on dead organic material, especially plant waste
What is the difference between lakes and ponds?
The size
How are artificial lakes useful for humans?
They can be used for industrial and recreational purposes.
Aquatic biomes are determined by what 2 factors?
Amount of light and amount of nutrients being dissolved
What is the difference between phytoplankton and zooplankton?
Phytoplankton use photosynthesis for nutrients while zooplanktons eat phytoplankton for nutrients
Fast Rivers
They are usually cold with low oxygen levels. Plankton are not found because the currents are too strong for them to float. Organisms that adapt to this region are strong swimmers such as trout.
Slow- Moving Rivers
They are usually warm with high oxygen levels. Organisms that adapt to this region grow to large sizes such as cat fish.
Rivers Function
River have been used as a source of water for obtaining food
Accelerated Aquatic Plant Growth Example
Increased nutrients mean increased algae population. Decomposition of these algae will use up oxygen. Therefore algae bloom means algae population.
Eutriphication in Coastal Regions
The flow of sewage from urban areas has also been affecting the coastal regions.
Wetlands
An area of land that is filled with water either permanently or seasonally
The 3 Types of Wetlands
1. Marshes
2. Swamps
3. Bogs
Marshes
Shallow water that allows plants to grow above the surface
Swamps
Same as marshes, but occur in forested areas
Bogs
Ponds thoroughly covered with thick floating mats of vegetation
The 2 Functions of Wetlands
Filtering pollution and reducing flooding
What is the largest wetland in the U.S.?
Florida Everglads
Difference between Swamps and Marshes
Marshes have short plants and no trees while swamps have taller plants and many trees
Plant Adaptation to Ocean
Increased salinity tolerance
Animal Adaptation to Ocean
Ability to pump out salt
What kind of organisms live on the bottom of the ocean?
Profundal
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