Aquatic Ecosystems

Learning Objectives Discuss the factors that affect aquatic ecosystems. Identify the major categories of freshwater ecosystems. Describe the importance of estuaries. Describe and compare the distinct ocean zones that make

up marine ecosystems.

Factors in Aquatic Ecosystems

• Water depth• Temperature

• Currents• Nutrient availability

Freshwater Ecosystems• Rivers and streams • Lakes and ponds • Freshwater wetlands

Rivers, Streams, Lakes, and Ponds

Stream Lake

Freshwater Wetlands

A wetland is an ecosystem in which water covers the soil or is present at or near the surface for at least part of the year.

Bog Swamp Marsh

Estuaries

An estuary is a wetland that forms where a river meetsthe sea.

Salt marsh Mangrove

Marine EcosystemsPhotosynthesizers

Coastal Ocean

The coastal ocean extends from the low-tide mark to the outer edge of the continental shelf.

Open Ocean

Silver hatchetfish

Overview: Aquatic Ecosystems

EstuaryFreshwater Marine