1. Aquatic Biomes Aquatic biomes represent the marine ecosystem on Earth Aquatic biomes represent the marine ecosystem on EarthCharacteristics: Temperatures do not vary as much as land biomes (water absorbs and releases heat) Temperatures do not vary as much as land biomes (water absorbs and releases heat) Organisms must maintain water balance Organisms must maintain water balance

2. There are two types of Aquatic Biomes: Marine Biomes-Oceans Salt water Salt water Composes 70% of the earths surface Composes 70% of the earths surface Contains many different organisms Contains many different organisms Provides most of the earths food nutrients Provides most of the earths food nutrients Most oxygen is produced here Most oxygen is produced here Fresh water Biomes - ponds, lakes, rivers and streams

3. Marine Ecosystems The ocean is home to a number of different ecosystems. Factors such as water temperature and the amount of sunlight determine what types of organisms can live in each zone. The ocean is home to a number of different ecosystems. Factors such as water temperature and the amount of sunlight determine what types of organisms can live in each zone.

4. Ocean Zones and Conditions Ocean zones include the intertidal zone, the neritic zone, and the open-ocean zone. Ocean zones include the intertidal zone, the neritic zone, and the open-ocean zone. - Ocean Habitats

5. Rocky Shores Organisms that live in the rocky intertidal zone must be able to tolerate the pounding of the waves and changes in both salinity and temperature. They must also withstand periods of being underwater and periods of being exposed to the air. Organisms that live in the rocky intertidal zone must be able to tolerate the pounding of the waves and changes in both salinity and temperature. They must also withstand periods of being underwater and periods of being exposed to the air. - Intertidal Zone

6. Conditions in the Neritic Zone The shallow water over the continental shelf receives sunlight and a steady supply of nutrients washed from the land into the ocean. The light and nutrients enable large plantlike algae to grow. These algae serve as food and shelter for other organisms. The shallow water over the continental shelf receives sunlight and a steady supply of nutrients washed from the land into the ocean. The light and nutrients enable large plantlike algae to grow. These algae serve as food and shelter for other organisms. - Neritic Zone and Open Ocean

7. Conditions in the Open Ocean The open ocean differs from the neritic zone in two important ways. First, only a small part of the open ocean receives sunlight. Second, the water has fewer nutrients. The open ocean differs from the neritic zone in two important ways. First, only a small part of the open ocean receives sunlight. Second, the water has fewer nutrients.