Aquatic
Aquatic
Objectives:
By the end of this discussion you should be
able
• to know what aquatic means and where it comes from.
• to determine the different types of aquatic ecosystems and
the organisms that live in the specific aquatic area.
• To value the essentials of protecting our aquatic ecosystems.
What is Aquatic and where it comes from?
• Aquatic is comes from the latin word Aqua, which means "water''. And Aqua
found in such words as: aquaculture, aquarium, aqueduct, aqueous, aquifer
• Aquatic is adjective words that describes something that takes place in or near
water such as aquatic sport.
Example:
Surfing, Rowing, swimming, Water polo, diving and synchronized swimming and many
more.
• Aquatic is one of the habitats of organisms that are also called aquatic
ecosystems.
What is Aquatic Ecosystem?
Phytoplankton
Arthropods
Swordfis Monk
h Seal
ATLANTIC OCEAN
• the second in size.
• the Atlantic is home to a variety of
Caribbean Coral
sponges sponges, sea anemones, horseshoe
crabs, mollusks, and sea turtles. Coral
reefs are confined largely to the
Sea Anemones Caribbean and are less diverse in reef
life than those of the Pacific.
Dugon
g Whal
e
ARCTIC OCEAN
• The waters of the Arctic and
Southern Oceans are very cold, yet
filled with life.
• River mouths
• Coastal bays
• Tidal marshes and
• water bodies behind barrier
beaches are some
They are biologically productive as they have a special kind of water circulation
that traps plant nutrients and stimulates primary production
Coral Reefs
According to Environmental
Protection Agency, coral reefs are
the world's second richest
ecosystems and have a wide
diversity of plants and animals. As
a result, coral reefs often are
referred to as the rain forest of the
oceans.
Types of Aquatic Ecosystem
Freshwater Ecosystems
• A freshwater ecosystem is a
region with bodies of water
that have salt concentrations
lower than those found in
ecosystems, typically below
one percent.
Types of Freshwater Ecosystems
• Lotic freshwater
• Lentic freshwater
• Wetland freshwater
Lotic freshwater ecosystems
• have bodies of water that move in one direction, like rivers and streams.
1. Source zone
• (also known as the headwaters zone), a narrow, fast-moving zone where the temperature is very
cold and which contains a large amount of dissolved oxygen.
2. Transition zone
• the middle part of the stream or river, where the flow is deeper and gentler and the temperature is
warmer. It has less oxygen than the source zone.
3. Floodplain zone
• the mouth of the stream or river and has a slower flow, warm temperature and very low levels of
dissolved oxygen, with poor diversity of flora and fauna.
Lentic freshwater ecosystems
• have bodies of water that move in one direction, like riverexist within stagnant water bodies like
ponds and lakes, and vary greatly in size. Seasonal or sessile pools last for a few months, while others
last for many years and streams.
1. Littoral zone
• near the shoreline. It is shallow, warm, and hosts various algae, aquatic plants, crustaceans, clams,
insects, amphibians, and other species.
2. Limnetic/photic zone
• the open water zone where sunlight supports photosynthesis. It is dominated by planktons.
3. Profundal/aphotic zone
• where sunlight hardly penetrates and photosynthesis is not possible. This zone is cold and it supports
heterotroph aquatic animals that feed on dead organisms.
Wetland freshwater ecosystems
1. Biodiversity:
• Aquatic ecosystems support a remarkable diversity of plant and animal species. From microscopic algae to
large marine mammals, these ecosystems provide a wide range of habitats and niches for various
organisms. The intricate web of life in aquatic ecosystems contributes to the overall biodiversity of our
planet.
2. Food Chain
• Aquatic ecosystems form the basis of complex food chains and webs. Phytoplankton, for example, are
microscopic algae that serve as primary producers, converting sunlight into energy through photosynthesis.
They are consumed by zooplankton, which in turn are eaten by small fish, and the chain continues up to
larger predators. This interconnectedness is crucial for maintaining the balance of aquatic ecosystems.
Importance of Aquatic Ecosystems
3. Habitat
• Aquatic ecosystems provide habitat for a multitude of species. Coral reefs, for instance, are
home to a vast array of marine life, including fish, crustaceans, and coral polyps. Wetlands
serve as breeding grounds and nurseries for many bird species and provide essential habitat for
amphibians and reptiles. These habitats are critical for the survival and reproduction of
numerous organisms.
4. Water Quality:
• Aquatic ecosystems play a crucial role in maintaining water quality. They act as natural
filters, removing pollutants and excess nutrients from the water. Wetlands, for example,
help to purify water by trapping sediments and absorbing pollutants. This purification
process is essential for ensuring clean and healthy water sources for both humans and
wildlife
Importance of Aquatic Ecosystems
5. Environmental Balance
• Aquatic ecosystems contribute to the overall environmental balance
on our planet. They regulate climate by absorbing and storing carbon
dioxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. They
also help to mitigate the impacts of natural disasters, such as floods
and storms, by acting as natural buffers and absorbing excess water.
In conclusion
• Aquatic ecosystems are incredibly diverse and important environments
that support a wide range of plant and animal species. They provide
essential ecosystem services, maintain biodiversity, and contribute to
the overall environmental balance. Understanding and conserving
these ecosystems is crucial for the well-being of both humans and the
planet as a whole.