4.5 Aquatic Ecosystems

Front

What adaptations do intertidal species have to survive in their environment?

Back

Intertidal species have adaptations to resist UV rays, survive exposure to air, and endure heavy waves.

Front

What is the photic zone?

Back

The photic zone extends to a depth of about 200 meters in the ocean, where sunlight can penetrate.

Front

What does salinity mean?

Back

Salinity refers to the amount of salt dissolved in water.

Front

What must animals living in estuaries be adapted to?

Back

Animals in estuaries must be adapted to varying levels of salinity.

Front

Which of the following is NOT a freshwater wetland?

Back

Estuary is NOT a freshwater wetland.

Front

What is an estuary?

Back

An estuary is a coastal area where freshwater from rivers meets and mixes with saltwater from the ocean.

Front

What are the main types of aquatic ecosystems?

Back

The main types of aquatic ecosystems include freshwater ecosystems, marine ecosystems, and estuarine ecosystems.

Front

What is the difference between a marsh and a swamp?

Back

A marsh is dominated by herbaceous plants, while a swamp is dominated by woody plants.

Front

What role do producers play in aquatic ecosystems?

Back

Producers, such as phytoplankton and aquatic plants, convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis.

Front

What is the significance of the benthic zone in aquatic ecosystems?

Back

The benthic zone is the lowest layer of a body of water, providing habitat for organisms like benthos.