Namrata Choudhury

Nurturing Nature:
Exploring Water
and Habitats Ayaan Khan

Devaj Agarwal

Adrija Bhattacharya

Aarushi Chakraborty
Hobby - Love reading books

General
What is an
Aquatic
Ecosystem?
It is a water-based ecosystem in which different organisms
interact with other biotic and abiotic components
surrounding them. These water-based organisms are
completely dependent on their water-based environment for
their food, shelter, reproduction, and other requirements or
services. However, the capability of the ecosystem to sustain
life will be dependent on the water’s physiochemical
characteristics, its quantity of dissolved sediments, levels of
dissolved nutrients, etc. factors.

General
Characteristics of
Aquatic Ecosystem

Following are the characteristics of the Aquatic ecosystem;

1. Composed of water i.e. either freshwater or saltwater.
2. Should provide a habitat for a variety of aquatic
organisms.
3. The aquatic vegetation or flora should consist of algae
and corals.
4. Should be a more or less self-sustained ecosystem.
5. They should be the most productive ecosystem of the
plant.
6. They should help and regulate maintaining the
hydrological cycle.
7. They should function as pollution filters.

General
Types of Aquatic ecosystem

General
 Freshwater Ecosystem
The type of water ecosystem in which the water has a salt concentration
of less than 5 ppt. is called the freshwater ecosystem. This ecosystem
covers only 2% of the total water cover of the planet but is the form of
water that is required by the terrestrial organisms also along with the
aquatic organisms found in it. It is further divided into:

• Lentic ecosystem (lacustrine ecosystem): The freshwater ecosystem

that includes water bodies that are static or still like lakes, and ponds.
This type of ecosystem consists of floating or rooted plants and algae as
vegetation. Water animals like shrimps, crabs, and some varieties of
fish are found. Other than these land animals like snakes, alligators,
crocodiles, and amphibians like frogs, and salamanders are also found.
• Lotic ecosystems (riverine ecosystem): The freshwater ecosystem
includes water bodies with rapid flow of water like streams and rivers.
They have phytoplankton along with insects like beetles, mayflies, etc.,
and other species like dolphins, eel, trout, otters, etc.
• Swamps and Wetlands: The freshwater ecosystem that is partially or
fully covered by water like marshes, swamps, and bogs. These areas
house wide varieties of organisms like black spruce, water lilies,
dragonflies, green heron, northern pike, crocodiles, etc.

General
 Marine Ecosystem
The type of water ecosystem in which the water has a salt concentration of 35 ppt. or
above is called a marine ecosystem or saltwater ecosystem. This ecosystem covers 98% of
the total water cover of the planet. It has some unique life forms which have adapted to
the high salt concentrations. It is further divided into:

1. OCEAN ECOSYSTEM: Oceans cover more than 70% of the earth’s surface. Oceans are
home to a variety of species like; algae, plankton, crustaceans, corals, sharks, whales,
etc.
2. ESTUARIES: It is the meeting point of a freshwater body and a saltwater body. The
water has more salt concentration as compared to freshwater bodies but is diluted as
compared to saltwater bodies. These areas receive large quantities of plant nutrients
and usually have ambient sunlight, so they are more productive due to large
quantities of primary producers.
3. CORAL REEFS: These are formed by the dead remains of the coral polyps that form a
shell-like covering of calcium carbonate which after their death forms a network with
other such empty shells. This network forms a colony-like arrangement where various
kinds of aquatic organisms take shelter. These are found in coastal areas where the
water is warm, shallow, clear, receives ambient sunlight, and houses many aquatic
organisms. Coral reefs are considered the rainforest of the aquatic system as they are
home to the majority of marine biodiversity.
4. COASTAL ECOSYSTEM: The connecting point between land and water is called the
coastal region. These regions have a diverse form of habitats in which the bottom
regions are dominated by the huge range of algae, and aquatic plants. The animal
species consists mainly of arthropods like insects, crabs, lobsters, etc. along with
snails, fishes, etc.
General
 Aquatic Biodiversity
• Aquatic biodiversity is the rich and wonderful variety of plants and animals
– from cray fish to catfish , from mussels to mayflies , from tadpoles to trout
– that live in watery habitats . Many species of animals and plants live in
water , some like fish , spend all their lives underwater , whereas others ,
like toads and salamanders , may use surface water only during the spring
breeding season . Some aquatic creatures live their entire lives in the deep
ocean , whereas others like water striders , spend their life skipping along
the surface of water .
• Generally , the more complex or larger the ecosystem , the greater its
biodiversity . Biodiversity in a limited area like a drop of water is less than
that in the ocean . Species diversity also tends to increase from poles
towards the equator and with increasing rainfall and with decreasing
elevation . Tropical rainforests only cover about 7% of the Earth’s surface
but may contain as much as 50% of Earth biodiversity.
• Sustaining biodiversity is essential to the health of our environment and to
the quality of human life. We depend on many aquatic plants and animals,
and their ecological functions, for our survival.

Conserving a rich diversity of plants and animals will :

• help us to discover new drugs and medicines.
• add oxygen and reduce ozone and carbondioxide in our atmosphere.
• provide food for the growing human populations.
• add jobs and promote tourism through the enjoyment of nature.

General
Adaptations of Organisms in Aquatic
Habitats
Structural Adaptations:
• Seawater is much denser than air – as a result, there are vast numbers of microscopic organisms suspended in it. Cockles, as well as many other bivalves,
are filter feeders. They have adapted specialised siphon structures to filter these organisms and any other particles of food from the surrounding water.
• Estuaries have quite variable conditions – tides, waves and salinity fluctuations affect the animals and plants that live there on a daily basis. Many
animals, such as cockles, are adapted to live in these conditions. They have strong shells that protect them from wave action, drying out and the prying
beaks of predators.
• Coastal plants need special adaptations to survive. For example, many types of seaweed attach firmly to rocks so they are not swept away by waves. Their
leaf-like fronds are tough and leathery, which helps protect them from being torn by the waves or dried out by the sun.
• Dolphins are mammals, but they look very different to mammals that live on land, as they are adapted to living in water. They have a streamlined shape
and fins instead of legs. They also have blowholes on the tops of their heads. They use these to breathe, rather than through their mouths and noses.
• Squids and octopus live deep in the ocean, near the bed of the ocean and catch prey near them. But, when they move in water, the
body becomes streamlined.
• Gills are used in respiration, where it uses oxygen dissolved in water.

General
 Physiological Adaptations:
• Some marine mammals, such as whales, migrate over large
distances and may spend time in a combination of arctic, tropical
and temperate waters. To cope with these temperature changes,
they are endothermic or ‘warm blooded’. This means that they are
able to maintain a constant body temperature that is not
dependent on the surrounding water.
• Slow-moving species have adaptations that help protect them
from predators. For example, many marine organisms can only

Adaptations of move slowly or not all. This means they cannot easily get away
from mobile predators, and they have other adaptations to protect
them from being eaten. These can include chemical defences in

Organisms in their skin, for example, sea stars.

Behavioural Adaptations:

Aquatic Habitats • Behavioural adaptations are learned or inherited behaviours that

help organisms to survive, for example, the sounds made by
whales allow them to communicate, navigate and hunt prey. Crab
larvae use sounds to help them find suitable habitats so they can
settle and metamorphose (change into an adult form).
• Bryozoan colonies are found in high numbers on the continental
shelf in New Zealand. They look like plants but are actually made
up of hundreds of tiny individual animals that have banded
together in order to more successfully find food and
survive predation,

General
Adaptations in aquatic plants
Rooted Aquatic plants:
1. Roots of the aquatic plants are reduced in size, and the function is
to hold the plant in the water bed.
2. Stems are long, hollow, light, flexible. Stem grow up to the surface
when a flower and leaf float on surface.
3. Roots draw nutrients from the soil and the stems allow plants to
reach the sunlight.
Example: Lotus, Water lily.
Floating Aquatic plants:
1. Plants have air-filled chambers or tissues that enable them to
float on the water surface.
2. This adaptation helps them access sunlight and air for
photosynthesis
3. Their roots dangle in the water, absorbing nutrients from the
surrounding water.
Example: Duckweed.

General
Adaptations in aquatic
plants
Submerged aquatic plants:
1. All the parts are present underwater
2. Some have narrow, thin ribbon-like leaves that
bend in water
3. Long, slender leaves that are adapted for
photosynthesis underwater.
4. The leaves are covered by a waxy layer that
protects the leaves from the excess water.
5. Thin and flexible stems that helps them to sway
with water currents. They extract nutrients directly
from the water through their leaves and stems
Example: Hydrilla, Vallisneria.

General
 Angler Fish
Adaptations of Habitat – Saltwater (deep sea)

some more Adaptations: The deep-sea angler fish is

adapted to its environment by means of

aquatic
skin colour. It uses this adaptation to
protect itself from predators, as well as to
disguise itself when hunting. Angler fish are

organisms
famous for the “glowing bulb” that they use
to attract prey.

The Comb Jellyfish

Habitat – Saltwater (deep sea)
Adaptations: The comb jellyfish has three
main adaptations
 Movement – They swim using little hairs
or “cilia” that move them through water
 Communication – They reflect light off
their cilia to signal to mates and other
jellyfish.
 Feeding – They use tentacles to catch
prey.

General
Adaptations of some more
aquatic organisms
The Stone Fish
Habitat – Saltwater (Coral reef)
Some species adapted to Freshwater
Adaptations:
 Camouflage – Due to its wart-like skin, it can hide next to, or under rocks,
in reefs or in sandy or muddy bottoms.
 Defence – It has a dorsal fin with 13 spines that can inject venom into
predators.
 Movement – Its pectoral fins helps it swim and move around in the sand.
The Remora Fish
Habitat – Saltwater (Oceans & seas)
Adaptations: The Remora Fish has developed a symbiotic relationships (one
that benefits both species) with other sea creatures. Their dorsal fin has
evolved into an organ that helps them attach themselves to the belly or
underside of their host (sharks, whales and manta rays). They then feed off
scraps of prey dropped by the host and also parasites on its skin and its
mouth.

General
Adaptations of some more aquatic
organisms
The Giant Pacific Octopus
Habitat – Saltwater (Pacific Coast)
Adaptations:
 Movement – Its two rear arms function as legs that, together with the siphon (an organ
it uses for breathing which allows it to eject water in the form of jet propulsion) propel
it forward.
 Camouflage – It can change colour or even texture (looking either rough or smooth) to
blend into its surroundings.

Frog
Habitat – Pond & Land
Adaptations: Frogs have webbed feet which aid in swimming.
They have strong back legs which aids in leaping and catching the prey.

General
Major Threats to Marine
Systems from human
activities

 Coastal Development – destroys and pollutes

coastal habitats.
 Runoff from agricultural and urban sources such
as sediment from soil erosion, fertilizers,
pesticides, livestock waste.
 Pollution from ships and oil spills.
 Overfishing of commercial fish species.
 Using fish trawlers (dragging weighted nets across
ocean floor) which degrades and destroys habitat
 Introducing invasive species
 Human induced climate change

General
Conservatio
n of Aquatic
ecosystem

General
Different states
of water
Water exists in three states:
i)Solid
ii)Liquid and
iii)Gases

In solid state, water occurs as snow and

frost. When the snow gets compacted, it
becomes ice.
In liquid state, water occurs as sea water.
A very small amount of water only occurs
on the land in the form of streams, rivers,
lakes etc, which is useful for drinking.
Water occurs as water vapour in the air
which is the gaseous state of water.

General
Interconvers
ion of states
of water

General
WHAT IS WATER
CYCLE ?
The water cycle also called the
hydrological cycle, is a
fundamental process of nature
that ensures that water keeps
on moving and circulating
within the Earth’s environment.
It can be defined as the
continuous movement of water
from the surface to the cloud
and from clouds to the surface.
In this process, the water
changes its state without
changing the total number of
water molecules present in it at
any state it converts into.

General
 STAGES OF WATER CYCLE
Evaporation is the initial stage of the water cycle
that involves the transformation of liquid water
into water vapor, a gaseous form, due to heat.
Sublimation: It is the process of transition of
The sun is the primary source of heat energy for
phase of water directly from solid ice to water
the process. The sun’s solar radiation heats water
vapor. It occurs mostly due to dry wind, low
bodies such as oceans, rivers, and lakes. This
humidity, and low air pressure.
causes the water to change its state from liquid
to gas (vapor form). The water vapor then rises
into the atmosphere to become part of the air.

Condensation :After the water evaporates it

undergoes condensation. When the moist air Precipitation is the process of the release of
carrying water rises higher into the atmosphere, water from clouds back to the Earth’s surface. It
it cools due to the 0℃ temperature in that occurs when the water droplets in clouds
condition. This cooling leads to the formation of become heavy enough to fall under the influence
tiny water droplets that combine to form clouds of gravity. It can take various forms like rain,
i.e. the clouds are the collection of condensed snow, hail, etc. depending on the atmospheric
water droplets. So, it means condensation helps conditions and temperature. This process ensures
the formation of cloud that leads to that the Earth’s water resources are replenished.
precipitation.

Runoff: After precipitation falls the water moves

Infiltration: It is the process by which water soaks
across the surface of Earth which is called runoff.
into the ground becoming part of the sub-surface
This flow of water follows the natural geography
water system. This process helps to recharge the
of the land, forming streams and rivers that
groundwater to support the ecosystem.
eventually flow into lakes and oceans.

General
Importance of Water
Cycle

The importance of the water cycle can be

understood through its crucial role in
sustaining life and environment. Some of
the points are:
1. It ensures a continuous supply of
freshwater.
2. It provides water for plants and animals,
thus supporting the ecosystem.
3. The movement of water through the
different phases of the water cycle
influences the weather pattern.
4. It constantly replenishes and
redistributes water throughout nature.
5. It ensures that water is available for
agriculture.
6. It ensures water is available
for hydroelectric power generation.

General
Effect of Water Cycle on
Climate

The water cycle plays a significant

role in influencing and regulating
Earth’s climate. Some of the points
are:
1. It helps to regulate the
temperatures of the planet.
2. It regulates the precipitation
pattern that affects the climate.
3. It is responsible for cloud
formation through condensation.
4. Variations and disruptions in the
water cycle led to changes in
weather events.
5. Changes in the pattern of the water
cycle indicate climate change.

General
Human Impact on Water
Cycle

Human activities have a significant impact on

the water cycle that alters the natural process
of the cycle and water distribution. Some of the
points are:
Deforestation is leading to changes in
atmospheric temperatures and is also reducing
the ability of trees to transpire and release
water vapor into the atmosphere.
Urbanization is increasing surface runoff that
decreases infiltration that affects the
groundwater reserves.
Extensive irrigation for agriculture can lead to
increased evaporation and depletion of water
resources in that area.
Pollution is causing contamination of water thus
affecting the quality of water for the water
cycle.
Deforestation, pollution, etc. are causing global
warming that is melting the stored water in the
form of ice at an alarming rate

General
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF WATER

SPECIFIC HEAT CAPACITY

- SPECIFIC HEAT
DENSITY OF WATER -
CAPACITY CAN BE
FREEZING POINT - THE DENSITY OF ANY
DESCRIBED AS THE
APPEARANCE - IN FREEZING CAN BE SUBSTANCE CAN BE
BOILING POINT - THE AMOUNT OF HEAT
APPEARANCE, THE DESCRIBED AS A DESCRIBED AS THE
BOILING POINT OF ANY REQUIRED FOR RAISING
WATER IS COLOURLESS TEMPERATURE WHEN A RATIO OF THE MASS OF
LIQUID CAN BE THE TEMPERATURE OF
AND ODOURLESS. LIQUID STARTS ANY SUBSTANCE TO ITS
DESCRIBED AS A ANY SUBSTANCE. THE
ALTHOUGH, IN ITS TURNING INTO ICE. THE VOLUME. 1 GM/CC IS
TEMPERATURE WHEN IT SPECIFIC HEAT CAPACITY
NATURAL STATE, WATER FREEZING POINT OF THE DENSITY OF THE
STARTS EVAPORATING OF WATER IS 4.2 JOULES
IS A TASTELESS LIQUID. WATER IS 0°C OR 32°F. WATER. ALTHOUGH, THE
IN THE ENVIRONMENT PER GRAM AT A
THE MEDIUM OF LIQUID YOU ALSO NOTICED THIS DENSITY OF WATER
OR SAY WHEN IT STARTS TEMPERATURE OF 25°C.
IS TRANSPARENT, PHENOMENON IN YOUR DIFFERS WITH
TURNING FROM LIQUID THE SPECIFIC HEAT
WHICH MEANS REFRIGERATORS. ALSO, TEMPERATURE AND IS
TO GASEOUS STATE. THE CAPACITY OF WATER IS
ANYTHING CAN BE SEEN THE REFRIGERATOR DIFFERENT FOR
BOILING POINT OF VERY HIGH BECAUSE
CLEARLY FROM BEHIND TEMPERATURE OF 0°C IS VARIOUS STATES. IN THE
WATER IS 100°C. THE HYDROGEN
THE WATER. MAINTAINED FOR SOLID-STATE, IT IS
BONDING IS VERY
FREEZING THE WATER. DENSITY REMAINS
EXTENSIVE BETWEEN
0.9GM/CC
THE MOLECULES OF
WATER.

General
Physical properties of water
(continued )

COMPRESSIBILITY OF
SURFACE TENSION OF WATER - THE
WATER - THE SURFACE COMPRESSIBILITY OF
VISCOSITY OF WATER : TENSION OF ANY LIQUID ANY SUBSTANCE
VISCOSITY CAN BE CAN BE DESCRIBED AS REFRACTIVE INDEX OF DIELECTRIC CONSTANT DESCRIBES ITS
DESCRIBED AS AN THE CAPACITY OF THAT WATER - THE OF WATER - DIELECTRIC FUNCTIONALITY AT ANY
AMOUNT OF LIQUID TO GET REFRACTIVE INDEX OF CONSTANT OF ANY TEMPERATURE AND
RESISTANCE USED FOR SHRUNKEN IN THE ANY SUBSTANCE IS THE SUBSTANCE IS THE PRESSURE. AT THE
DEFORMATION AT THE MINIMUM SURFACE VALUE VALUE AT WHICH THE TEMPERATURE OF 0°C,
GIVEN RATE. IF AREA. THE SURFACE DEMONSTRATING HOW MATERIAL STARTS THE COMPRESSIBILITY
EXPLAINED IN OTHER TENSION OF WATER IS FAST THE LIGHT CAN POLARIZING BY AN OF WATER IS
WORDS, IT CAN BE HIGH AND EQUALS 72 REACH THE MATERIAL. ELECTRIC FIELD. THE 5.1×10−10 PA−1, AND
DEFINED AS THE MN/M AT THE AT THE TEMPERATURE DIELECTRIC CONSTANT AS THE TEMPERATURE
THICKNESS OF ANY TEMPERATURE OF 25°C. OF 20°C, THE OF WATER IS VERY INCREASES IT REACHES
SUBSTANCE. THE DUE TO THE WATER’S REFRACTIVE INDEX OF HIGH. IT IS EQUAL TO UP TO 45°C,
VISCOSITY OF WATER IS HIGH SURFACE WATER IS 1.333. 78.6. COMPRESSIBILITY
0.89 CP (CENTIPOISE). TENSION, ANY INSECT STARTS DECREASING
CANNOT WALK ON IT AND REACHES UP TO
WITHOUT HINDRANCE. L4.4 ×10−10 PA−1.

General
Chemical
properties of water
The chemical formula of water is H2O. It
is composed of two major elements,
hydrogen and oxygen. In this formula,
every two hydrogen atoms are linked
with one atom of oxygen.
• The equation can be written as:
• H2 + O2 → H2O
• The balanced equation for the same:
• 2 H2 + O2 → 2 H2O
• The hydrogen and oxygen are
integrated with polar covalent bonds.
It means the electrons of hydrogen
and oxygen unequally share the atom.
The scientific name of water is
Oxidane.

General
Chemical Properties of
water(contd)

i) Reaction with metals: Metals of group

IA & IIA decompose water to liberate ii) Reaction with Non-metals: Fluorine
decomposes cold water forming ozonized iii) Reaction with non-metal
H2 along with evolution of energy oxygen. Chlorine decomposes cold water oxide: Acidic oxides combine with water
iv) Reaction with Metal oxides: Basic
(Exothermic reaction). Hot metals like Zn, forming HCl & HClO, However, in to form oxo-acid like carbonic acid,
oxides combine with water to form
Mg, Fe etc, decompose water to liberate sulphurous acid, sulphuric acid,
presence of sunlight HCl and O2 is alkalies.
H2. Pb and Cu decompose water only on orthophosphoric acid, nitric acid,
formed. Red hot coke on reaction with perchloric acid etc.,
heating. Ag, Au, Hg & Pt metals donot steam produce water gas.
decompose water.

vi) Hydrolysis: Salt of strong bases with vii) Water of crystallization: It forms
weak acids, weak bases with strong acids hydrates like CuSO4. 5H2O, MgSO4. 7H2O,
v) Reaction with hydrides, carbides,
and weak bases with weak acids undergo FeSO4.7H2O, BaCl2 . 2H2O etc., on viii) Water as catalyst: Perfectly dry
nitrides & phosphides: Water
hydrolysis in water. Some slats like BiCl3, combination with water during gases generally do not react but
decomposes these compounds with
crystallization. The water present in the ammonia & HCl gas combine only in
liberation of hydrogen, acetylene, SbCl3 on hydrolysis form oxy compounds.
hydrates is called water of crystallization. presence of moisture.
ammonia, phosphine respectively. Halides of non-metals like PCl3, PCl5,
These are of 3 – types (i) cationic (ii)
SiCl4 etc are decomposed by water. Anion (iii) Lattice.

General