ECOSYSTEM TYPES:

• Terrestrial ecosystems – ecosystems found on land.

• Aquatic ecosystems – fresh or salt water ecosystems.

• Biomes are a group of ecosystems in the same region having similar types of vegetation and similar climate conditions.

• Climate is the prevailing weather (temperature & moisture) of a region.

 

Aquatic Ecosystems:

1.What does the term “aquatic” mean?   water

2.What two types of aquatic ecosystems are there?  Marine & Freshwater

3.What is the difference between these two types?  Salinity (salt concentration)

 

Aquatic ecosystems are classified by

  (1) depth & flow of water

  (2) temperature of water 

  (3) chemistry of the water (salinity)

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Marine Ecosystems:

Composed of:

1.Coral Reefs

2.Oceans (open ocean & rocky intertidal)

3.Marine wetlands (salt marshes, mangrove swamps)

Freshwater Ecosystems:

Composed of:

1.Lakes & ponds (standing water)

2.Rivers & streams (flowing water)

3.Freshwater wetlands (estuaries, marshes & swamps)