Aquatic Ecosystems
Learning Objectives




Discuss the factors that affect aquatic ecosystems.
Identify the major categories of freshwater ecosystems.
Describe the importance of estuaries.
Describe and compare the distinct ocean zones that make
up marine ecosystems.
Factors in Aquatic Ecosystems
• Water depth
• Temperature
• Currents
• Nutrient availability
Freshwater Ecosystems
•
•
•
Rivers and streams
Lakes and ponds
Freshwater wetlands
Rivers, Streams, Lakes, and Ponds
Stream
Lake
Freshwater Wetlands
A wetland is an ecosystem in which water covers the soil or is
present at or near the surface for at least part of the year.
Bog
Swamp
Marsh
Estuaries
An estuary is a wetland that forms where a river meets
the sea.
Salt marsh
Mangrove
Marine Ecosystems
Photosynthesizers
Coastal Ocean
The coastal ocean extends from the low-tide mark to the
outer edge of the continental shelf.
Open Ocean
Silver hatchetfish
Overview: Aquatic Ecosystems
Freshwater
Estuary
Marine