Aquatic Ecosystems

Unique, transitional ecosystem that supports diverse species and is formed where freshwater and ocean water merge.

• Wetlands

• Estuary

• Grasslands

• Woodlands

Deepest, coldest area of a large lake with little light or limited biodiversity.    

• Profundal Zone

• Intertidal Zone

• Pelagic Zone

• Photic Zone

Free-floating autotrophs and heterotrophs that live in freshwater and marine ecosystems.

• Sediment

• Plankton

Water-saturated land area that supports aquatic plants.

• Wetlands

• Estuary

Well-lit, open-water area of a lake or pond.

• Littoral Zone

• Limnetic Zone

• Profundal Zone

• Intertidal Zone

Deepest, very cold region of the open ocean.

• Photic Zone

• Aphotic Zone

• Abyssal Zone

• Benthic Zone

Material deposited by water, wind, or glaciers.

• Sediment

• Plankton

Area of a lake or pond closest to the shore.

• Littoral Zone

• Limnetic Zone

• Profundal Zone

• Intertidal Zone

Open-ocean zone shallow enough for sunlight to penetrate.

• Photic Zone

• Aphotic Zone

• Abyssal Zone

• Benthic Zone

Narrow band of shoreline where the ocean and land meet that is alternately submerged and exposed and is home to constantly changing communities.     

• Littoral Zone

• Limnetic Zone

• Profundal Zone

• Intertidal Zone