Aquatic Biomes

Determined by Salt content Flow rate Size (sometimes) 2 major categories of aquatic biomes: Salt water system Freshwater

Freshwater Ecosystems

The freshwater ecosystems 1)Can be found in all biomes 2)Have very low salt content 3)Are classified according to : A) the depth of the water B) the rate of water flow C) the amount of nutrients, light & O 2

Lakes …are large freshwater areas that have little to no flow. Some lakes are very deep. Lakes have a nutrient rich area near the shore called the LITTORAL ZONE.

Lakes also have a BENTHIC ZONE on the bottom where dead decomposing things collect. EUTROPHIC LAKES have a large amount of plant nutrients (they also have a lot of algae) Lakes can become EUTROPHIC because of runoff pollution.

Lake plants Plants and other producers are located where light can penetrate. Some plants are fully or partially submerged. Some plants float on the surface.

Lake animals Lots of diversity among the species. Some have special structures that allow them to inhabit the water. EX: catfish, bluegill, frogs, insects, etc…

Ponds Ponds are similar to lakes except more shallow and usually smaller in size.

Wetlands Areas of land that is covered with water for at least part of the year. The type of wetland depends on the types of plants. Wetlands are important areas for breeding for fish, birds and other animals.

Wetlands are important areas for biological filtering of pollution. Wetlands also prevent flooding.

Types of Wetlands 1)Marshes – shallow wetlands with grasses and few trees. Marshes are classified by salinity. A) brackish marshes – mixture of slightly salty water & freshwater B) Estuary – where freshwater rivers meet saltwater seas or oceans. EX: Florida Everglades

2) Swamps – wetlands with more trees & shrubs. Usually in flat poorly drained areas. EX: Mangrove Swamps

Wetland plants and animals Some are migratory. Lots of reptiles & amphibians. Many are adapted to live in water & on land!

Threats to wetlands Draining & development Pollution – from land pollution runoff

Short video

Rivers & streams Rivers are flowing water systems. Usually start as small streams in the mountains. Steeper the mountain the faster the flow & more oxygen.

River plants and animals Many are adapted to fast moving water, have special structures. Fish are streamlined to help them get through the water.

Threats to rivers & streams Pollution – sewage is dumped into rivers and land runoff Development – industries built along rivers Damming – stops or slows the flow of the river