Life in Water - Chapter 3: Ecology Concepts & Applications

These flashcards cover key concepts from Chapter 3 on the ecology of aquatic systems, including the hydrologic cycle, ocean zones, and human impacts.

Hydrologic Cycle

The cycle of water movement involving evaporation, precipitation, and condensation through various reservoirs.

Evaporation

The process of turning from liquid into vapor, occurring in the hydrologic cycle.

Thermocline

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

Salinity

The concentration of salts in water, typically varying from 34 ppt to 36.5 ppt in the open ocean.

Eutrophic Lakes

Lakes with high biological production that may be low in dissolved oxygen.

Neritic Zone

The marine zone extending from the coastline to the continental shelf.

Riparian Zone

The transition area between aquatic and upland terrestrial environments.

Photosynthesis

The process by which organisms, like phytoplankton, convert light energy into chemical energy.

Intertidal Zone

The area of shoreline that is covered with water at high tide and uncovered at low tide.

Benthic Zone

The ecological zone at the very bottom of a body of water.