14 Aquatic Biomes Overview

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to aquatic biomes, including their characteristics, importance, and the specific types within marine and freshwater systems.

Aquatic Biomes

Two main types of biomes that include marine and freshwater, distinguished by salinity and other factors.

Marine Biomes

Aquatic biomes that are found in the ocean, covering 70% of Earth's surface.

Salinity

The concentration of salt in water, significant for distinguishing aquatic biomes.

Oxygen Content

Amount of dissolved oxygen in water that affects the survival of aquatic organisms.

Intertidal Zone

Biomes characterized by daily cycles of tides, where life is adapted to changing conditions.

Coral Reefs

Warm, tropical underwater structures made from coral polyps that support diverse marine life.

Eutrophication

A natural process where nutrients accumulate in water bodies, often leading to heightened productivity.

Neritic Zone

The zone of the ocean where sunlight penetrates, supporting the growth of marine organisms.

Photic Zone

The upper layer of water in aquatic biomes where sunlight is available for photosynthesis.

Aphotic Zone

The deep ocean layer where sunlight does not reach, affecting life forms present.

Estuaries

Transitional zones where freshwater meets saltwater, rich in nutrients and biodiversity.

Benthic Zone

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

Oligotrophic Lakes

Young lakes with few nutrients and clear water.

Eutrophic Lakes

Older lakes with more nutrients, often murkier due to higher productivity.

Halophilic

Organisms that thrive in saline environments, such as estuaries.

Zonation

The distribution of different organisms across various zones in an aquatic biome.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, such as coral reefs.

Carbon Dioxide Control

Coral reefs play a crucial role in regulating CO2 levels in oceanic waters.

Death of Coral Reefs

Coral bleaching occurs from environmental stressors such as temperature rise and acidification.

Zooplankton

Tiny marine animals that float in the ocean, providing food for larger marine species.

Ecosystem Services

Benefits provided by ecosystems, such as coastal protection and resources for fisheries.

Tidal Cycles

The regular rise and fall of sea levels due to the gravitational effects of the moon and sun.

Nutrient Levels

Nutrients in aquatic ecosystems that influence the growth of organisms and overall water quality.