Aquatic ecosystems are essential components of our planet’s environment, supporting a diverse range of life forms. There are two primary categories of aquatic ecosystems: freshwater and marine.
1. Freshwater Ecosystems:
- Rivers and Streams: These are flowing bodies of water that move continuously in one direction. They are characterized by their dynamic nature, which influences the types of organisms that live there. The speed of the water, its temperature, and nutrient levels can change along the course.
- Lakes and Ponds: These are standing bodies of freshwater. Lakes are larger than ponds and can be quite deep. They host various zones, including the surface layer (littoral zone), where light penetrates, and deeper layers (benthic zone) with different environmental conditions.
- Wetlands: This includes swamps, marshes, and bogs. Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil for part of the year, creating unique habitats that are crucial for many species, especially birds and amphibians.
2. Marine Ecosystems:
- Oceans: Covering over 70% of the Earth’s surface, oceans are the largest marine ecosystems. They are divided into zones based on depth and distance from shore, such as the intertidal zone, pelagic zone, and abyssal zone. Each zone has distinct characteristics and biodiversity.
- Coral Reefs: Often referred to as the