AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS

Aquatic ecosystems

           

            Aquatic ecosystems are located in water environments. There are two different types of aquatic ecosystems: marine ecosystems and freshwater ecosystems. We can difference these ecosystems depending on salinity. Salinity is the amount of salt dissolved in water.

• Marine ecosystems. Marine or saltwater ecosystems have high salinity. Water in these ecosystems is in constant movement. These movements are produced by waves and currents. There are different types of marine ecosystems:

-         Sandy beaches. They are beaches with sand. They are affected by tides and waves. They are home to seagulls, oystercatchers, sand fleas and sandworms.

-         Rocky shores. These are shallow areas with sunlight. Sunlight helps algae to grow. They are home to starfish, octopuses, sea anemones and moray eels.

-         Open sea. This is the deep sea. It is far from the coast. This is home to jellyfish, sea turtles, sardines, tuna, sharks, dolphins and whales. Algae cannot grow in open sea because it is too deep and sunlight does not reach.

• Freshwater ecosystems. Freshwater ecosystems have very low salinity. There are different types of freshwater ecosystems:

-         Rivers. In rivers, water is always moving. They are home to otters and trout. They need to adapt to the flow. Trout live in the upper courses of rivers where the water is cold and flow fast.

-         Lagoons. In lagoons the water barely moves. They are home to plants like reed and animals like frogs, water snakes and water beetles. Vegetation provides shelter for birds like herons and ducks.

Now it’s your turn! Find information about an aquatic ecosystem in your area or choose your favourite aquatic ecosystem. Make a mind-map about your aquatic ecosystem including information about its characteristics (location, climate, characteristics of water, flora and fauna). You can also add any other information, e.g. can you practice sports there? Can you do other activities there? Is it well preserved? What can you do to preserve aquatic ecosystems?

Click on bubbl.us to use this interactive tool to make your mind-up. But, you can use another tool if you want.