(that means in the water) Aquatic Ecosystems (that means in the water)

Types of aquatic ecosystems Determined by salinity Freshwater Low salt concentration Marine Higher salt concentration

Freshwater Ecosystems Includes moving and standing waters as well as wetlands Plankton—organisms that float at the surface Phytoplankton: photosynthetic (algae) Zooplankton: microscopic “animals” Nekton—free-swimming organisms Fish, turtles, dolphins Benthos—bottom dwelling organisms Clams, barnacles, etc.

Life in a lake or pond Water is still Horizontal and vertical zones Littoral zone: near the shore; rich in nutrients and diverse in life Benthic zone: the bottom; rich in decomposers and adapted to darker areas Eutrophication is an increase in the amount of nutrients in an aquatic ecosystem

Wetlands Water covers or is near the surface most of the time Marshes—mostly grasses and no trees Swamps—contain trees and woody plants Wetlands are VERY important ecosystems

Functions of wetlands Filter materials to keep them from entering larger bodies of water Protect against flood Protect against erosion Provide important habitat Breeding ground For rare & threatened or endangered species Recreational area