20.4 Aquatic and Marine Biomes
4 min read•june 18, 2024
Aquatic biomes are diverse ecosystems shaped by abiotic factors like light, temperature, and salinity. From the sunlit surface to the dark depths, these environments support a wide range of organisms adapted to specific conditions.
Freshwater biomes include standing water bodies like lakes and flowing systems like rivers. Each type has unique characteristics, from stratified zones in lakes to the unidirectional flow of streams, supporting distinct communities of plants and animals.
Aquatic Biomes
Abiotic factors in aquatic ecosystems
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- Light availability influences the vertical stratification of aquatic ecosystems
- receives sufficient sunlight for photosynthesis ( in oceans)
- lacks enough light for photosynthesis (mesopelagic and bathypelagic zones in oceans)
- Temperature variations create distinct layers in water bodies
- separates warmer surface water from colder deep water (lakes, oceans)
- Temperature affects metabolic rates of aquatic organisms and oxygen solubility in water (higher temperature reduces oxygen solubility)
- Dissolved oxygen concentration decreases with depth
- Reduced mixing and photosynthesis in deeper waters lead to lower oxygen levels ( or conditions)
- Aquatic organisms possess adaptations to extract oxygen from water (gills in fish, dissolved oxygen requirements vary among species)
- Nutrient availability limits in aquatic ecosystems
- Essential nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus are required for plant growth (, aquatic macrophytes)
- Nutrient limitation can lead to conditions with low productivity (open oceans, deep lakes)
- Salinity determines the distribution of aquatic organisms
- Freshwater ecosystems have low salt concentrations (streams, lakes, rivers)
- Marine ecosystems have high salt concentrations (oceans, , saltwater marshes)
- Organisms possess adaptations to maintain water balance in their respective environments (freshwater fish, marine mammals)
- influences species distribution in estuaries and coastal areas
Characteristics of ocean zones
- experiences periodic exposure to air and water
- Organisms adapted to withstand desiccation and temperature fluctuations (barnacles, mussels, sea stars)
- Divided into distinct subzones based on tidal influence (spray zone, high tide zone, mid-tide zone, low tide zone)
- affects the vertical distribution of organisms in this zone
- extends from the low-tide mark to the continental shelf edge
- Shallow, sunlit waters support high primary productivity (phytoplankton blooms)
- Nutrient input from terrestrial runoff and enhances biological activity (coastal fisheries)
- encompasses the open ocean beyond the continental shelf
- Epipelagic zone (0-200 m) receives abundant sunlight and supports photosynthesis (phytoplankton, , fish)
- (200-1000 m) is dimly lit and inhabited by organisms with adaptations to low light (, )
- (1000-4000 m) is perpetually dark and hosts organisms adapted to high pressure and scarce food (, )
- includes the seafloor and sediment
- Supports diverse communities of organisms living on or in the substrate (clams, worms, crabs)
- Habitat complexity provided by , kelp forests, and seagrass beds enhances biodiversity (tropical fish, sea urchins, sea otters)
- represents the deep, dark waters below 4,000 meters
- Low temperature, high pressure, and limited food availability create a challenging environment (, )
- Unique adaptations enable organisms to survive in extreme conditions (, slow metabolism)
Ecological processes in aquatic ecosystems
- Upwelling brings nutrient-rich deep waters to the surface, stimulating primary productivity
- occurs when excess nutrients enter water bodies, leading to algal blooms and potential oxygen depletion
- Food webs in aquatic ecosystems transfer energy from primary producers to higher trophic levels, supporting diverse communities
Freshwater Biomes
Standing vs flowing freshwater biomes
- Standing water () biomes include lakes, ponds, and
- Stratified into distinct zones based on light penetration and temperature
- : shallow, well-lit areas near the shore (emergent and submerged aquatic plants)
- : open, sunlit water away from the shore (phytoplankton, zooplankton)
- : deep, dark water below the thermocline (bacteria, fungi, benthic invertebrates)
- Nutrient cycling is influenced by sediment-water interactions (decomposition, nutrient release)
- Stratified into distinct zones based on light penetration and temperature
- Flowing water () biomes include rivers, streams, and springs
- Unidirectional flow of water from source to mouth (headwaters to river mouth)
- Characterized by erosion, transport, and deposition of sediments (riffle-pool sequences, floodplains)
- Oxygen concentration is generally higher due to turbulent mixing (fast-flowing streams, rapids)
- Organisms are adapted to withstand water current and attach to substrates (algae, aquatic insects, fish)
- Wetlands are transitional areas between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems
- High biodiversity and productivity due to nutrient-rich sediments and water availability (waterfowl, amphibians, reptiles)
- Perform essential functions such as water filtration, flood control, and nutrient cycling (sediment trapping, denitrification)
- Examples include marshes (cattails, reeds), swamps ( trees, mangroves), bogs (, carnivorous plants), and fens (sedges, grasses)
Key Terms to Review (70)
Abyssal zone: The abyssal zone is a deep-sea layer of the ocean characterized by its extreme depths, typically ranging from about 2,000 to 6,000 meters below the surface. This zone is known for its cold temperatures, high pressure, and complete darkness, making it one of the least explored and most mysterious habitats on Earth. The abyssal zone is crucial for understanding marine biodiversity and the ecological dynamics of oceanic life.
Algal bloom: An algal bloom is a rapid increase in the population of algae in an aquatic system, often due to excess nutrients. These blooms can have harmful effects on water quality, marine life, and human health.
Anglerfish: Anglerfish are a diverse group of deep-sea fish known for their unique predatory strategy and distinctive bioluminescent lure that resembles a fishing rod. Found primarily in the dark depths of the ocean, these fish have evolved to adapt to extreme conditions, making them fascinating examples of life in aquatic and marine biomes. Their unusual reproductive methods and diverse adaptations showcase the complexity of life forms that inhabit these often-unexplored environments.
Anoxic: Anoxic refers to an environment that is devoid of oxygen, which can significantly affect the types of organisms that can thrive in such conditions. In aquatic and marine biomes, anoxic conditions can occur in deeper waters or in sediments where oxygen is depleted due to decomposition processes. The absence of oxygen can lead to unique ecological dynamics, influencing species interactions and nutrient cycling.
Aphotic zone: The aphotic zone is the layer of a body of water that lacks sufficient sunlight for photosynthesis, typically found below the euphotic zone in aquatic environments. This zone is characterized by darkness and plays a crucial role in supporting unique ecosystems that are distinct from those found in sunlit areas. Organisms in the aphotic zone have adapted to survive in extreme conditions with limited light and often rely on chemosynthesis or detritus for energy.
Aquatic macrophyte: Aquatic macrophytes are large, rooted plants that grow in or near water bodies, including freshwater and saltwater environments. They play crucial roles in aquatic ecosystems by providing habitat, improving water quality, and serving as primary producers through photosynthesis. Aquatic macrophytes can be categorized into various groups based on their growth form and habitat preferences, significantly influencing the structure and function of aquatic and marine biomes.
Barnacle: A barnacle is a marine crustacean that belongs to the class Cirripedia, characterized by its hard shell and unique lifestyle of attaching itself permanently to various surfaces, such as rocks, ships, and even other animals. These organisms are filter feeders, using specialized appendages called cirri to capture food particles from the water. Barnacles play important roles in marine ecosystems, contributing to the structure of intertidal zones and serving as a food source for various predators.
Bathypelagic zone: The bathypelagic zone is a deep oceanic layer that lies between 1,000 meters and 4,000 meters below the ocean surface, characterized by complete darkness and high pressure. This zone is home to unique organisms adapted to extreme conditions, including bioluminescent species and various types of fish. The bathypelagic zone plays a crucial role in the marine ecosystem as it serves as a habitat for a variety of life forms and influences nutrient cycling in the ocean.
Benthic realm: Benthic realm refers to the ecological region at the lowest level of a body of water, including the sediment surface and some sub-surface layers. It is home to a diverse range of organisms that live in or on the ocean floor, lake beds, or river bottoms.
Benthic zone: The benthic zone refers to the ecological region at the lowest level of a body of water, including the sediment surface and sub-surface layers. This zone is crucial for the overall health of aquatic and marine ecosystems, as it supports various organisms and contributes to nutrient cycling and energy flow within these environments.
Bioluminescence: Bioluminescence is the natural phenomenon where living organisms produce light through biochemical reactions within their bodies. This captivating ability is primarily found in certain species of marine organisms, such as jellyfish, some fish, and various types of plankton, and plays essential roles in communication, predation, and defense in aquatic environments.
Bog: A bog is a type of wetland that is characterized by acidic waters, peat deposits, and a unique ecosystem that supports specific plant and animal species. These ecosystems are typically found in cooler climates and receive their water mainly from precipitation rather than from streams or groundwater. Bogs are important for carbon storage and provide habitats for various organisms, playing a crucial role in biodiversity.
Cattail: Cattails are tall, aquatic plants belonging to the genus Typha, commonly found in wetlands and along the edges of ponds and marshes. These plants play an essential role in aquatic ecosystems, providing habitat for various wildlife and helping to stabilize shorelines and filter water.
Channel: A channel is a type of landform consisting of the outline of a path of relatively shallow and narrow body of fluid, most commonly the confine of a river, or the strait between two landmasses. Channels are crucial in aquatic ecosystems as they influence water flow and habitat distribution.
Clam: A clam is a type of bivalve mollusk that lives in aquatic environments, often buried in sand or mud. These organisms play a significant role in their ecosystems, serving as both filter feeders and as prey for various marine species. Clams contribute to the nutrient cycling within aquatic and marine biomes, and their presence indicates the health of these environments.
Coral reef: A coral reef is a diverse underwater ecosystem made up of coral polyps that secrete calcium carbonate, forming hard structures known as reefs. These vibrant ecosystems are crucial to marine biodiversity, providing habitat and shelter for numerous marine organisms, and play a significant role in coastal protection and nutrient cycling.
Coral reefs: Coral reefs are diverse underwater ecosystems formed by colonies of tiny marine animals called coral polyps. They provide crucial habitat for many marine species and protect coastlines from erosion.
Crab: A crab is a crustacean belonging to the order Decapoda, characterized by a broad, flattened body, a hard exoskeleton, and typically ten limbs. Crabs inhabit various aquatic and marine environments, playing a crucial role in the ecosystem as scavengers and predators, and are often an important food source for many other animals.
Cryptofauna: Cryptofauna are small, often microscopic animals that live within the crevices and substrates of aquatic and marine environments. They play vital roles in nutrient cycling and ecosystem dynamics.
Cypress: Cypress refers to a type of tree in the family Cupressaceae, commonly found in wetland areas such as swamps and marshes, especially in regions with aquatic and marine biomes. These trees play a vital role in stabilizing soil, providing habitat for wildlife, and contributing to the unique ecology of these ecosystems.
Detrital food web: Detrital food web is a system where energy flows through ecosystems via the decomposition of organic matter. It involves organisms that feed on dead plant and animal material and the microorganisms that help in breaking down this detritus.
Emergent vegetation: Emergent vegetation consists of plants that are rooted in a substrate but grow above the water surface, often found in wetlands, marshes, and along shorelines. These plants play a crucial role in providing habitat and stabilizing sediment.
Epipelagic zone: The epipelagic zone, also known as the sunlight zone, is the uppermost layer of the ocean, extending from the surface down to about 200 meters (656 feet). This zone is characterized by ample sunlight, which allows for photosynthesis and supports a diverse range of marine life. It is crucial for the global ecosystem as it is where most oceanic life exists, including phytoplankton, zooplankton, and various fish species.
Estuaries: Estuaries are coastal bodies of water where freshwater from rivers and streams meets and mixes with saltwater from the ocean. They are highly productive ecosystems that provide vital habitats for a variety of marine life.
Eutrophication: Eutrophication is the process where water bodies become enriched with nutrients, leading to excessive growth of algae and other aquatic plants. This often results in oxygen depletion and can harm aquatic life.
Eutrophication: Eutrophication is the process by which water bodies become enriched with nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, leading to excessive growth of algae and aquatic plants. This nutrient overload can disrupt aquatic ecosystems, impacting water quality and biodiversity. Understanding eutrophication is crucial as it illustrates the interactions between nutrient cycling, aquatic habitats, and the potential threats posed to various species within these environments.
Fen: A fen is a type of wetland that is characterized by waterlogged soils and the presence of herbaceous plants, particularly grasses and sedges. Fens are typically fed by groundwater, making them nutrient-rich environments. They play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity, providing habitats for various species of plants and animals, and acting as important ecosystems in the context of aquatic and marine biomes.
Food web: A food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains that illustrates how energy and nutrients flow through an ecosystem. It showcases the feeding relationships among various organisms, highlighting that most species are part of multiple food chains. By emphasizing these relationships, a food web demonstrates the interdependence of species and the overall stability of ecosystems.
Giant squid: The giant squid is a large deep-ocean cephalopod known for its impressive size, reaching lengths of up to 43 feet, and its elusive nature. As a member of the mollusk family, this fascinating creature plays a vital role in aquatic ecosystems, particularly within marine biomes where it serves as both predator and prey.
Hypoxic: Hypoxic refers to a condition in which there is a deficiency of oxygen in the environment, particularly affecting aquatic and marine ecosystems. In these settings, hypoxia can lead to significant stress on organisms, causing behavioral changes, reduced reproduction rates, and even mortality. This condition often arises from factors such as nutrient pollution, which can lead to algal blooms that consume oxygen as they decompose.
Intertidal zone: The intertidal zone is the area of coastline that is between the high and low tide marks, experiencing regular exposure to both air and water. This unique zone is characterized by its dynamic environment, where organisms must adapt to varying conditions such as salinity, moisture, and wave action, making it one of the most diverse and productive marine ecosystems.
Kelp forest: A kelp forest is an underwater ecosystem formed by the dense growth of large brown algae known as kelp. These forests provide habitat and food for a diverse range of marine organisms, making them one of the most productive and dynamic environments in the ocean. Kelp forests play a crucial role in coastal ecosystems, offering essential services such as habitat formation, nutrient cycling, and carbon sequestration.
Lanternfish: Lanternfish are small, bioluminescent fish belonging to the family Myctophidae, commonly found in the ocean's mesopelagic zone, which ranges from about 200 to 1,000 meters deep. These fish play a crucial role in marine ecosystems, serving as a significant food source for larger predators and influencing the biological carbon pump through their daily vertical migrations.
Lentic: Lentic refers to aquatic environments that are characterized by still or slow-moving water, such as ponds, lakes, and wetlands. These ecosystems play a critical role in biodiversity, providing habitat for various organisms and contributing to the overall health of the planet's water systems. Lentic environments differ significantly from their lotic counterparts, which include rivers and streams that have flowing water.
Limnetic Zone: The limnetic zone is the well-lit, open surface water layer of a freshwater body, typically found beyond the littoral zone and extending to the depth where light penetration is insufficient for photosynthesis. This zone plays a vital role in aquatic ecosystems as it supports a diverse range of organisms, including plankton, fish, and other aquatic life that thrive in well-oxygenated waters.
Littoral zone: The littoral zone is the coastal region of a water body, typically extending from the high water mark to the depth where light penetrates sufficiently for photosynthesis to occur. This zone is vital for aquatic ecosystems as it provides habitats for various species and supports diverse biological communities, making it a key area within aquatic and marine biomes.
Lotic: Lotic refers to flowing freshwater ecosystems, such as rivers and streams, where the water moves continuously in one direction. These environments are characterized by their dynamic nature, influencing the organisms that inhabit them, and playing a crucial role in nutrient cycling and energy flow within aquatic ecosystems.
Mangrove: Mangroves are unique coastal ecosystems characterized by salt-tolerant trees and shrubs that thrive in intertidal zones where saltwater and freshwater mix. These important habitats play a vital role in protecting coastlines from erosion, supporting biodiversity, and providing crucial nursery grounds for numerous marine species, linking them closely to the dynamics of aquatic and marine biomes.
Marsh: A marsh is a type of wetland that is characterized by the presence of herbaceous plants, such as grasses, sedges, and reeds, and is frequently flooded with water. Marshes serve as critical ecosystems that support biodiversity, act as natural water filters, and provide essential habitats for many species of wildlife, especially birds and aquatic organisms.
Mesopelagic zone: The mesopelagic zone is the layer of the ocean that extends from about 200 meters to 1,000 meters deep, lying below the epipelagic zone and above the bathypelagic zone. This region is characterized by a gradual decrease in light penetration, temperature, and pressure as you go deeper. It plays a crucial role in marine ecosystems, serving as a habitat for various organisms and as a vital area for nutrient cycling.
Mussel: Mussels are bivalve mollusks belonging to the family Mytilidae, characterized by their elongated, asymmetrical shells and ability to attach themselves to substrates using byssal threads. They play a significant role in aquatic and marine ecosystems, serving as filter feeders and contributing to water quality, habitat structure, and nutrient cycling.
Neritic zone: The neritic zone is a shallow marine environment that extends from the low tide mark to the edge of the continental shelf, typically characterized by abundant sunlight and nutrient-rich waters. This zone is crucial for marine life, providing habitats for a diverse range of species, including fish, invertebrates, and marine plants. The high productivity and biodiversity found in this area make it vital for both ecological balance and human activities such as fishing and tourism.
Oceanic zone: The oceanic zone is the part of the ocean that lies beyond the continental shelf, characterized by deep waters that support a diverse range of marine life. This zone is crucial for global climate regulation and supports important ecological processes, including nutrient cycling and carbon storage.
Oligotrophic: Oligotrophic refers to a type of aquatic ecosystem that is characterized by low nutrient levels, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen, which results in limited primary productivity. These environments are often found in deep, clear lakes and some coastal marine areas, where the water is well-oxygenated and supports a unique array of organisms adapted to such conditions. The low nutrient availability leads to a distinct ecological balance with less algae and more diverse aquatic life.
Osmoregulatory: Osmoregulation refers to the process by which organisms regulate the balance of water and solutes in their bodies to maintain homeostasis in varying environmental conditions. In aquatic and marine biomes, osmoregulatory mechanisms are vital for survival, as they help organisms adapt to different salinity levels and water availability, which can significantly impact their physiological functions and overall health.
Pelagic realm: The pelagic realm is the open ocean, away from the coast and sea floor. It is characterized by its depth and vast expanse, encompassing both surface waters and deeper layers.
Photic zone: The photic zone is the uppermost layer of a body of water that receives sufficient sunlight for photosynthesis to occur. It typically extends to a depth of about 200 meters in the ocean.
Photic Zone: The photic zone is the upper layer of a body of water, typically extending to about 200 meters deep, where sunlight penetrates and allows photosynthesis to occur. This zone is crucial for aquatic and marine biomes because it supports the majority of marine life, providing the energy necessary for primary producers like phytoplankton, which form the base of the aquatic food web.
Phytoplankton: Phytoplankton are microscopic, photosynthetic organisms that drift in aquatic environments, forming the base of the food web in marine and freshwater ecosystems. They play a critical role in global carbon cycling and oxygen production, making them essential for sustaining life in aquatic biomes. Their presence supports a diverse array of marine species and influences nutrient dynamics within these environments.
Planktivores: Planktivores are organisms that primarily feed on plankton, small drifting organisms found in aquatic environments. They play a crucial role in the food web by transferring energy from primary producers to higher trophic levels.
Primary productivity: Primary productivity is the rate at which energy is converted by photosynthetic and chemosynthetic autotrophs to organic substances in an ecosystem. This process is crucial for supporting the food web in aquatic and marine biomes, as it forms the basis of energy flow and nutrient cycling. Understanding primary productivity helps to reveal how ecosystems function, how energy is transferred through trophic levels, and the impacts of environmental changes on these vital processes.
Profundal zone: The profundal zone is the deepest part of a freshwater lake or pond, located beneath the limnetic zone and above the benthic zone. This region is characterized by low light penetration, cooler temperatures, and reduced biological activity compared to shallower zones, which makes it distinct in terms of ecology and organism adaptation.
Reed: A reed is a tall, slender, grass-like plant that typically grows in wetlands, marshes, and along the edges of lakes and rivers. These plants play an essential role in aquatic and marine biomes by providing habitat for wildlife, stabilizing shorelines, and contributing to the overall health of these ecosystems.
Salinity Gradient: A salinity gradient refers to the variation in salt concentration in water, often observed in aquatic environments where freshwater meets saltwater. This gradient is crucial for shaping the biological communities and physical processes in ecosystems, influencing factors such as density, buoyancy, and the distribution of organisms. In many aquatic and marine settings, these gradients can create distinct habitats that support diverse life forms.
Sea otter: The sea otter is a marine mammal known for its thick fur and playful behavior, primarily inhabiting coastal waters of the North Pacific Ocean. As a key species in marine ecosystems, sea otters play a crucial role in maintaining the health of kelp forests by preying on sea urchins, which can otherwise overgraze these underwater forests.
Sea star: A sea star, also known as a starfish, is a marine invertebrate belonging to the class Asteroidea within the phylum Echinodermata. These fascinating creatures are characterized by their star-shaped bodies, typically having five or more arms extending from a central disc. Sea stars play important roles in their ecosystems, particularly in coastal marine environments, where they can be key predators of bivalves and other invertebrates.
Sea urchin: Sea urchins are small, spiny marine animals belonging to the class Echinoidea within the phylum Echinodermata. They play a significant role in marine ecosystems as herbivores, grazing on algae and contributing to the balance of underwater habitats, particularly in coral reef and rocky environments.
Seagrass bed: A seagrass bed is an underwater ecosystem composed of flowering plants that grow in shallow coastal waters, forming dense mats of vegetation. These beds provide crucial habitats for various marine species, stabilize sediments, and improve water quality by filtering pollutants. They are often found in tropical and temperate regions, playing a significant role in the health of aquatic and marine ecosystems.
Source water: Source water is untreated water from streams, rivers, lakes, or underground aquifers used for drinking and other purposes. It plays a crucial role in maintaining aquatic and marine ecosystems.
Sphagnum moss: Sphagnum moss is a type of non-vascular plant belonging to the genus Sphagnum, commonly found in wetlands and bogs. This moss plays a crucial role in water retention and is known for its ability to accumulate peat, making it significant in the context of freshwater ecosystems and nutrient cycling.
Squid: A squid is a marine cephalopod mollusk known for its elongated body, eight arms, and two long tentacles. Squids are highly adaptive creatures found in various ocean environments, playing significant roles in both the aquatic food web and as prey for larger marine animals. Their unique anatomy, including a streamlined body and ability to expel water for rapid movement, makes them effective predators in the oceanic biome.
Swamp: A swamp is a type of wetland that is characterized by the presence of standing water, rich in nutrients, and dominated by trees and shrubs. These ecosystems play a critical role in maintaining biodiversity, providing habitat for wildlife, and acting as natural water filters to improve water quality.
Thermocline: The thermocline is a distinct layer in a body of water where the temperature changes rapidly with depth, typically found in oceans and large lakes. This layer separates the warmer surface water from the colder, deeper water, creating a gradient that affects various biological and physical processes within aquatic ecosystems. The thermocline plays a significant role in nutrient cycling, oxygen levels, and the distribution of marine organisms.
Tidal Range: Tidal range refers to the vertical difference in height between high tide and low tide within a specific location. This measurement is critical in understanding the dynamics of coastal ecosystems and aquatic habitats, as it influences the distribution of organisms, sediment transport, and nutrient cycling in marine environments. Variability in tidal range also affects human activities, such as fishing and coastal development.
Tripod fish: The tripod fish is a unique species of fish belonging to the family Opisthoproctidae, known for its distinct body shape and specialized adaptations for life in deep-sea environments. Characterized by its elongated pelvic fins that resemble 'tripods', these fish are particularly interesting in the context of aquatic and marine biomes, where they navigate the ocean floor and utilize their specialized structures for stability and feeding.
Upwelling: Upwelling is a process where deep, nutrient-rich waters rise to the surface of the ocean, often driven by wind patterns and the Earth's rotation. This phenomenon is vital for aquatic and marine biomes, as it supports high productivity and biodiversity by bringing essential nutrients to the photic zone, where sunlight penetrates, allowing phytoplankton and other marine organisms to thrive.
Viperfish: The viperfish is a deep-sea fish known for its elongated body, large fang-like teeth, and bioluminescent features. Found primarily in the bathypelagic zone of the ocean, viperfish are adapted to extreme pressure and darkness, showcasing the unique adaptations that characterize life in aquatic and marine biomes.
Wetland: A wetland is a unique ecosystem characterized by the presence of water, either permanently or seasonally, that supports a wide variety of plant and animal life. These areas can be found in various forms, including marshes, swamps, and bogs, and they play crucial roles in water filtration, flood control, and providing habitats for wildlife.
Wetlands: Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil, either permanently or seasonally, creating distinct ecosystems. They support aquatic plants and provide critical habitat for numerous species.
Zooplankton: Zooplankton are small, often microscopic animals that drift in water columns of oceans, seas, and freshwater bodies. They play a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems as a key link in the food web, serving as primary consumers that feed on phytoplankton and, in turn, provide sustenance for larger marine animals such as fish, whales, and other predators. Their presence and population dynamics are vital indicators of ecosystem health and productivity.