Aquatic Biomes

Salt in Water Most of the salt in oceans is carried in by rivers.

Salt Water Zones Euphotic –enough light for photosynthesis 200m deep, warm to cold water

Continued Disphotic Zone- not enough light for photosynthesis 1000m deep, cold water

Continued Aphotic Zone- no light 4000m deep, really cold water

Open Ocean Low in nutrient because of the lower zones Plankton floats on the surface where there is light. Many whales feed on the plankton

Shallow Seas Rich in nutrient. Close to shore (euphotic) Rich in diversity, including coral reefs

Coral Reefs Limestome ridges made by animals related to jellyfish called polyps living inside Provide homes for 1000’s Acts as a tsunami barrier

Estuary an area of fresh water from a river mixes with salt water from the ocean (nutrient rich, diverse) Forms brackish water (half salt/half fresh)

Rocky/ Sandy Shores Provides places for animals to forage and seek shelter as the tide goes in and out

Barrier Islands Islands that run parallel to mainland and protect it from erosion from waves and storms

Wet Lands Land usually covered by water(Swamps and Marshes.) Help to filter pollution from water Help to absorb and store fresh water on land

Marshes Wetlands with mainly brush and grass type vegetation (few trees) Slow moving high nutrient water (can be salty)

Swamps Wetlands consisting of many trees. Poorly drained, so the water has a steady flow to it. (can be salty)

Rivers Rivers usually originate from melting mountain snow or springs. They get nutrient from land runoff and get warmer and wider as they approach the sea.

Lakes and Ponds Lakes are generally areas where: ground water has settled above ground or where flowing water is damned.

Lake Zones Littoral Zone – nutrient rich area near the shore High density of plants and animals Ducks, frogs, etc

continued Benthic Zone – bottom of the lake, low nutrient, where dead things settle Most decomposition happens here Insect larvae, clams, etc

Ground Water Aquifer – underground layer that holds water in soil or rocks. Major source of drinking water

4 Keys for underwater living Amount of light Amount of salt Amount of dissolved oxygen temperature