APES Video Notes 1.3 - Aquatic Biomes

Aquatic Biomes Overview

• Focus: Characteristics of aquatic biomes and adaptations of species.

Objectives

• Describe global distribution and environmental aspects of aquatic biomes.

• Understand freshwater biomes and their significance as sources of drinking water.

• Explore marine biomes and their roles in oxygen supply and carbon dioxide absorption.

• Practice explaining environmental concepts and processes.

Characteristics of Aquatic Biomes

1. Salinity

• Definition: Salt concentration in water.

• Affects species survival and suitability for drinking water.

2. Depth

• Influences sunlight penetration for photosynthesis.

• Deeper areas have limited light, affecting plant growth.

3. Flow

• Movement of water impacts plant survival and oxygen levels.

• Faster flowing waters (e.g., rivers) enhance oxygen mixing, supporting higher dissolved oxygen levels.

4. Temperature

• Warmer water holds less dissolved oxygen, impacting species survival.

• Organisms require adequate oxygen; high temperatures can reduce aquatic life.

Freshwater Biomes

1. Rivers

• High levels of dissolved oxygen due to water movement.

• Nutrient-rich sediments support diverse ecosystems.

2. Lakes

• Standing bodies of freshwater crucial for drinking water.

3. Zones in Lakes

a. Littoral Zone

• Shallow water around the edges with emergent plants like reeds and cattails.

b. Limnetic Zone

• Middle zone where light allows photosynthesis.

c. Profundal Zone

• Deep area with no light penetration; no photosynthesis.

d. Benthic Zone

• Nutrient-rich bottom with invertebrates in organic material.

4. Freshwater Wetlands

• Defined by soil submerged or saturated with water.

• Features emergent vegetation with adaptations for submerged roots.

• Benefits: Flood damage reduction, groundwater recharge, natural filtration, and habitat for various species.

• Types of Wetlands:

  • Swamps: Cypress trees adapted to submerged soils.

  • Marshes: Similar vegetation with specific adaptations.

  • Bogs: Acidic soil with spruce trees and sphagnum moss.

Estuarine Biomes

• Mix of fresh and saltwater where rivers meet the ocean.

• Rich in nutrients from river sediments; highly productive ecosystems.

• Types of Estuaries:

  • Salt Marshes: Key breeding grounds for fish and shellfish.

  • Mangroves: Tropical estuaries with stilted-root trees, stabilize shorelines, and provide fish habitats.

Marine Biomes

1. Coral Reefs

• Found in warm, shallow waters; most biodiverse marine ecosystem.

• Mutualistic relationship between coral and algae; fuels growth and survival.

2. Intertidal Zones

• Coastal area between tides; organisms require adaptations to survive extremes.

• Species adaptations: barnacles and sea stars attach to rocks, preventing desiccation.

3. Open Ocean

• Low productivity per unit area; supports primarily algae and phytoplankton.

• Key oxygen producers and important carbon dioxide sinks, mitigating global warming effects.

• Ocean Zones:

  • Photic Zone: Area where sunlight penetrates, allowing photosynthesis.

  • Aphotic Zone: Deep area with no light; adaptations like bioluminescence are vital for survival.

Conclusion

• Organisms in aquatic biomes exhibit unique adaptations to thrive in their specific environments.

Practice FRQ Prompt

• Identify an organism in an aquatic biome and explain its unique adaptations.