Objective: Students will explore characteristics of aquatic ecosystems in order to explain the importance of coral reefs and wetlands. Drill: 11/09/16 How are the world’s aquatic ecosystems characterized? What are some of the different aquatic ecosystems looked at last class? HAVE OUT GRAPHIC ORGANIZERS FOR ME TO CHECK!

Agenda HW: Finish Coral Reef Ecology Activity if not done so in class Biome FRQ Aquatic Ecosystem notes Coral Reef/Wetland Ecosystem Activity HW: Finish Coral Reef Ecology Activity if not done so in class Quiz on Chapter 6 and 7 on 11/15/16 TEST ON CHAPTERS 5-8: November 29th

Aquatic Ecosystems Hydrosphere – Water covers 75 percent of the planet. Most of the earths surface water is salty with a salinity of 3.5%

World’s Oceans Euphotic zone – The photic, upper layers of water. Warmest layer Highest levels of dissolved oxygen Bathyal zone – Middle region Insufficient light for photosynthesis Colder than the euphotic zone Abyssal zone – Deepest part of the ocean Extremely cold temperatures Low dissolved oxygen High levels of nutrients Higher salinities

Estuaries A bay or river system open to the ocean at one end and receiving fresh water at the other. Brackish water forms. High concentrations of nutrients and sediments. Waters are usually shallow and warm. Highly productive environments can develop salt water marshes mangrove forests inlet bays river mouths

Coral Reefs Can form in shallow tropical seas by the slow accumulation of the skeletons of cnidarians. Skeletons are made of calcium carbonate. These shells/skeletons provide structure for a great diversity of organisms. Low nutrient conditions – most nutrients are tied up in living organisms. Very vulnerable to physical stresses – temperature, salinity, nutrient changes, and light intensity

Freshwater Ecosystems All freshwater ultimately comes from the atmosphere. It includes lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, swamps, freshwater marshes, bogs and groundwater. Wetlands occur along the shorelines of freshwaters. Considered to be some of the most biologically diverse ecosystems.

Lake Zones Littoral zone Limnetic zone Profundal zone Benthic zone. Shallow water at the shoreline where rooted plants grow. Receives abundant light. Often serves as the nursery grounds and refuge of the young. Limnetic zone Surface of open water. Extends to a depth were sunlight can penetrate. Phytoplankton can be abundant Profundal zone Water too deep for sunlight to reach (aphotic) Benthic zone. Deepest layer.   Coldest water Low dissolved oxygen Bottom sediments normally rich in bacteria and invertebrates.

Coral Reef Ecology Activity Use laptops and go to weebly Open Coral Reef Ecology Activity Read directions and begin Must be completed and turned in as a turn-in through BCPS One or a hard copy