1. IV. Aquatic Biomes

2. A. Characteristics 1. Temperature is the main limiting factor
a. Controlled by depth- deeper=colder
1. Light only penetrates maximum meters = photic zone
2. below this is the aphotic zone
b. Movement also cools temperature.

4. 2. Temperature also controls nutrient levels
a. Warmer temps= more nutrients but colder increases oxygen
b. Must find balance and adjust behavior.

5. B. Types 1. All moving bodies are called streams
a. Movement increases oxygen levels
b. Cause erosion on outside of bends where speed increases
c. Deposition occurs on outside of bends where it slows.
d. Creatures must adapt to flow of stream

8. 2. Standing waters are split by salinity
a. Oceans and seas average around 30 ppt salinity
1. divided into subregions
a. Neritic zone is water above continental shelf
1. bottom is benthic zone
b. Oceanic zone is open ocean
1. called pelagic zone
c. Reefs are coral structures or kelp forests

11. b. Freshwater’s salinity is around .5ppt
1. names are nonscientific
2. Scientific study is limnology
3. Oceanic scale lakes are large enough to behave like oceans

13. 4. Wetlands are ecosystems where plant roots are inundated with water at least part of the year
a. Can be salt water
1. salt marsh- coastal wetland dominated by grasses
a. The Everglades
2. Mangrove swamps are dominated by mangrove trees.

15. b. Can be freshwater
1. swamps dominated by trees
2. marshes are mostly grasses
3. bogs are highly acidic
4. fens are more alkaline

17. c. All serve as natural filters for chemicals and debris
1. also provide breeding grounds for animals
d. Being destroyed for residencies or in areas can’t, used as dumping grounds