Ocean Ecosystems Vocab

Front

Abiotic

Back

nonliving element in an ecosystem

Front

Atmosphere

Back

Blanket of air covering Earth

Front

Biosphere

Back

all living things (including organic matter not yet decomposed)

Front

Biotic

Back

living elements in an ecosystem

Front

Brackish

Back

mix of salt and fresh water

Front

Ecosystem

Back

community of interacting organisms and their environment

Front

Estuary

Back

All of these are true of estuaries.

Front

Geosphere

Back

Solid earth, includes continental and oceanic crusts.

Front

Heterotroph

Back

Consumer, gets energy by eating other organisms

Front

Lagoon

Back

Saltwater separated from the ocean by a barrier.