Ecology of Aquatic Systems: Abiotic and Biotic Factors

Aquatic Biome

Large collection of ecosystems in major habitats.

Abiotic Factors

Non-living components affecting ecosystem dynamics.

Biotic Factors

Living components influencing ecological interactions.

Light Attenuation

Reduction of light intensity in water layers.

Salinity

Concentration of salt in water, affecting organisms.

Osmoregulation

Maintaining internal salt and water balance.

Photic Zone

Upper layer of water where sunlight penetrates.

Mesophotic Zone

Depth zone with some light penetration.

Aphotic Zone

Depth zone with no light penetration.

Thermohaline Circulation

Ocean currents driven by temperature and salinity.

Gigantism

Large body size adaptation in aquatic organisms.

Seasonal Mixing

Redistribution of oxygen and nutrients in lakes.

Estuary

Transition area between freshwater and ocean.

Wetlands

Rich biodiversity areas between aquatic and terrestrial.

Deep Ocean

Largest habitat, dark and cold, with unique life.

Primary Productivity

Rate of organic matter production in ecosystems.

Migration

Movement of organisms between different habitats.

Dispersal

Spread of organisms across different environments.

Nutrient Levels

Concentration of essential elements for life.

Hydrodynamics

Study of water movement affecting organism behavior.

Buoyancy

Ability of organisms to float in water.

Adaptations

Changes that enhance survival in specific environments.

Allochthonous Nutrients

Nutrients originating from outside the aquatic system.

Coldwater Corals

Corals found in deep, cold ocean environments.

Chum Salmon Run

Seasonal migration of salmon to spawning grounds.

Ecological Study

Research examining interactions within ecosystems.

Aquatic Respiration

Gas exchange process in aquatic organisms.

Transitional Areas

Highly productive zones between different aquatic systems.