Aquatic Biomes and the Biosphere

This set of flashcards covers key terminology and definitions related to aquatic biomes and the biosphere, focusing on their characteristics, functions, and ecological importance.

Biosphere

The global sum of all ecosystems; the zone of life on Earth.

Aquatic Biomes

Biomes characterized by water, including freshwater and marine systems.

Photic Zone

The upper layer of water in aquatic systems where light penetrates and photosynthesis occurs.

Aphotic Zone

The part of an aquatic biome where light does not reach, inhibiting photosynthesis.

Benthic Zone

The ecological zone at the lowest level of a body of water, including the sediment.

Thermocline

A layer in a body of water where the temperature changes rapidly with depth.

Oligotrophic Lakes

Nutrient-poor lakes that are generally oxygen-rich.

Eutrophic Lakes

Nutrient-rich lakes that can be depleted of oxygen, especially at deeper levels.

Wetlands

Areas where water covers the soil, supporting plants adapted to saturated conditions.

Estuaries

Transitional areas between river and sea, characterized by varying salinity.

Intertidal Zone

The area that is submerged and exposed by tidal movements.

Coral Reefs

Diverse underwater ecosystems held together by calcium carbonate structures produced by corals.

Pelagic Zone

The oceanic regions beyond the continental shelf.

Neritic Zone

The shallow part of the ocean, extending from the high-water mark to the edge of the continental shelf.

Benthos

The community of organisms living on or in the ocean floor.

Detritus

Dead organic matter that falls into the water and serves as food for benthic organisms.

Zooplankton

Small free-floating aquatic organisms that feed on phytoplankton.

Phytoplankton

Microscopic plants in aquatic environments that produce energy through photosynthesis.

Turnover

The semiannual mixing of waters in lakes that renews nutrient and oxygen levels.

Stratification

The layering of different temperature zones in aquatic environments.

Aquifer

Underground layers of water-bearing rock that store water.

Biodiversity Hotspots

Regions with a high level of species diversity that are under threat.

Hydrothermal Vents

Cracks in the ocean floor that emit heated water rich in minerals, creating unique ecosystems.

Chlorophyll

The green pigment found in plants that is vital for photosynthesis.

Saltmarshes

Coastal wetlands that are flooded and drained by salt water brought in by the tides.

Surface Runoff

Water from rain or melted snow that flows over the land and into bodies of water.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Nutrient Cycling

The movement and exchange of organic and inorganic matter back into the production of living matter.

Overfishing

Catching fish at a rate faster than they can reproduce.

Aquaculture

The cultivation of aquatic animals or plants for food.

Biomagnification

The increasing concentration of toxins as they move up the food chain.

Invasive Species

Non-native species that spread widely in a new habitat and cause harm.

Ecosystem Services

The benefits provided by ecosystems that contribute to human well-being.

Sea Level Rise

The increase in the level of the world's oceans due to climate change.

Thermal Stratification

The natural occurrence of layers of varying temperature in a water body.

Siltation

The accumulation of silt in an area, typically affecting water quality.

Pollution

The introduction of harmful substances or products into the environment.

Carbon Sequestration

The process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Sustainable Practices

Methods of using resources in a way that meets current needs without compromising future generations.

Climate Change

Long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place.