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?

• Aquatic ecosystems are any water-based

environment in which plants and animals interact
with the physical features of the aquatic
environment.
• An aquatic ecosystem includes a group of
interacting organisms which are dependent on one
another and their water environment for nutrients
and shelter.
• Organisms which survive in water are called
aquatic organisms. They depend on water for
their food, shelter, reproduction and all other
life activities.

• Water supports many lives.

 Types of Aquatic Ecosystems
Marine Ecosystem Freshwater Ecosystem
 Marine Ecosystems

The largest water ecosystem is the

marine ecosystem, covering over 70
percent of the earth's surface. And it has
various kinds of marine ecosystems, such
as oceans, estuaries, coral reefs, and
coastal ecosystems.
OCEAN ECOSYSTEM
• Although the oceans are connected, each of
them has unique species and features. According
to Barbara A. Somerville (Earth’s Biomes:
Oceans, Seas, and Reefs),

• The earth has five major oceans

 PACIFIC OCEAN
• the largest and deepest ocean
• The Pacific Ocean is filled with
innumerable forms of aquatic life,
including many species of fish,
mollusks, arthropods (such as shrimp),
eels, zooplankton, phytoplankton, corals,
turtles, monk seals, swordfish, sharks,
and whales, including humpback whales
Eel and blue whales.

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.

Horseshoe Sea Turtle

Crab
 Indian Ocean
• The Indian Ocean is home to several
unique types of animals, including sea
Sea Snake
turtles, sharks, sea snakes, dugongs, and
whales. Although the ocean itself has less
marine life than other oceans because of
Shar
its low plankton levels, you will find a
k rich array of marine life in specific areas
and islands.

Dugon
g Whal
e
ARCTIC OCEAN
• The waters of the Arctic and
Southern Oceans are very cold, yet
filled with life.

• The Antarctic Ocean is a feeding

ground for several whale species:
blue, fin, humpback, minke, orcas,
southern right and sperm whales.
ARCTIC OCEAN
Southern (Antarctic) Ocean
• The largest population of
krill (small, shrimp-like
marine creatures) lies
under the ice of the
Southern Ocean.
 Estuaries
• Estuaries are places where
rivers meet the sea and may
be defined as areas where
salt water is diluted with
fresh water.
 Examples of Estuaries:

• 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

• Wetlands are rich in nutrients and minerals that

plays various roles like water purification,water
storage, home for many land as well as aquatic
animals.
Example:
Swamp
A swamp is a
forested wetland
 Marshes
A marsh is a type of
wetland, an area of land
where water covers ground
for long periods of time.
Bogs A bog is a freshwater wetland
of soft, spongy ground
consisting mainly of partially
decayed plant matter called
peat. Bogs are generally
found in cool, northern
climates.
 Importance of Aquatic Ecosystems
• Aquatic ecosystems play a vital role in maintaining the overall health of our planet. They provide
numerous ecosystem services that are essential for human well-being and the survival of countless species.
Let’s explore some of the key reasons why aquatic ecosystems are important:

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.