Aquatic and Freshwater Ecosystems

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture notes on Aquatic and Freshwater Ecosystems, helping students understand essential terms and their definitions.

Marine Ecosystems

Ecosystems located in oceans, covering 3/4 of Earth's surface, where photosynthesis occurs mostly near the coast.

Phytoplankton

Small free-floating algae that perform photosynthesis in marine ecosystems.

Upwelling Currents

Currents that circulate nutrients from the ocean floor back to the surface, enriching marine ecosystems.

Vertical Stratification

A feature of oceans where light and temperature decrease with depth, affecting species growth.

Epipelagic Zone

The upper layer of the ocean where light penetrates and supports photosynthesis.

Hadal Zone

The deepest layer of the ocean, home to unique communities adapted to extreme conditions.

Coral Reefs

Aggregations of coral polyps living symbiotically with algae, forming diverse marine ecosystems.

Mangroves

Trees or shrubs that grow in saltwater along tropical and subtropical coastlines, stabilizing shorelines.

Estuaries

Partly sheltered bays or bodies of brackish water where rivers meet the ocean, supporting diverse life.

Salt Marshes

Coastal wetlands flooded by seawater that are nutrient-rich and crucial for marine fish and shellfish life.

Tidal Environments

Coastal areas influenced by tides, including salt marshes and tidal pools, which support diverse ecosystems.

Freshwater Ecosystems

Ecosystems consisting of lakes, wetlands, and rivers with varying habitats influenced by water depth and quality.

Epilimnion

The warm upper layer of a thermally stratified lake.

Hypolimnion

The cold, deeper layer of a thermally stratified lake that does not mix.

Bogs and Fens

Wetlands characterized by waterlogged soils; bogs receive water only from precipitation while fens receive from groundwater.

Conservation

The valuable practice of protecting biodiversity, particularly in critical habitats such as wetlands.

Tidal Pools

Depressions along a rocky shoreline that retain water at low tide, hosting specialized species.

Barrier Islands

Narrow islands made of sand, located parallel to the coastline, providing protection against storms.