1. Marine and Freshwater

2. Marine Ecosystems Salty water Covers approx. 75% of the Earth Phytoplankton are the most abundant producers (perform photosynthesis)—microscopic Zooplankton feed on phytoplankton Both of these make the base of the ocean’s food web Phytoplankton must be close to the surface to absorb sunlight

3. Zones of the Ocean Intertidal—where the ocean meets land Above water part of the day depending on tides Neritic—Less than 200 m deep Usually receives lots of sunlight Contains coral reefs Oceanic—Deep water of the open ocean Photosynthesis occurs from 0-200 m Benthic—sea floor Organisms mostly eat food that filters from above

5. Other Marine Environments Coral reefs—Corals live together with algae Algae provide food, corals provide a place in the sun Foundation of the reef formed from coral skeletons over thousands of years Coral reefs are extremely biologically diverse Estuaries—where fresh water from streams/rivers meets the ocean

7. Freshwater Ecosystems No salt Characterized mostly by the speed that the water moves Moving and still water

8. Moving Freshwater Streams and rivers Tributary—where a smaller stream joins a larger stream Organisms must be adapted to living in fast-moving water Producers firmly anchored to ground and rocks Fish are streamlined Faster moving water is steeper, higher up on a hill/mountain

9. Slower Moving Freshwater Less steep, towards the bottom of hill/mountain Meanders (curves) back and forth Biotic material gets deposited on the bottom, builds up, and forms “deltas” Eventually, the water will flow into an ocean

11. Still Waters Ponds and lakes 3 zones Littoral—where the water meets the land Plants—provide homes for small animals (snails, larvae) Open-water—extends from the littoral zone and goes as deep as light will reach. Bass, trout, phytoplankton Deep-water—beneath open-water, no sunlight Catfish, worms, bacteria Organisms feed on dead material that filters down

13. Wetlands Wetland—an area of land where the water level is near or above the surface of the ground Flood control—absorb water during heavy rains Home to a variety of plants and animals Water seeps into ground, replenishing water supply

14. Marshes and Swamps Marsh—a treeless wetland Found in shallow waters around lakes, ponds, rivers, etc Swamp—wetland where trees and vines grow Occur in low-lying areas near slow-moving rivers Most are flooded only part of the year