APES 1.3

Eutrophication

The nutrient and fertilizer runoff in ponds and lakes leading to an excess growth of algae.

Turbidity

The cloudiness of water caused by suspended sediment.

Salinity

The concentration of salt in a body of water, influencing which species can survive.

Littoral zone

The top surface of the water where plants grow and emerge.

Limnetic zone

The middle zone of lakes where light reaches phytoplankton for photosynthesis.

Profundal zone

The deepest zone of a lake where sunlight cannot reach, resulting in no photosynthesis.

Benthic zone

The very bottom of the deepest zone of a lake where invertebrates live in nutrient-rich sediments.

Wetland

An area with soil submerged in water for part of the year, supporting adapted emergent plants.

Estuary

An area where rivers empty into the ocean, mixing fresh and saltwater.

Salt Marsh

An estuary habitat along the coast in temperate climates, serving as a breeding ground for many species.

Mangrove Swamps

An estuary habitat along the coast of tropical climates, characterized by mangrove trees with stilt roots.

Coral Reef

A warm, shallow marine biome known for its biodiversity and mutualistic relationship between coral and algae.

Intertidal zone

The narrow band of coastline between high and low tide, where organisms adapt to waves and direct sunlight.

Open ocean

A marine environment with low productivity, primarily inhabited by algae and phytoplankton.