Aquatic Ecosystems: Environments and Factors

• The physical environment of an ecosystem can be aquatic or terrestrial.
• Aquatic environments cover a large portion of the Earth, even though terrestrial environments are more well-known.

Factors Affecting Aquatic Environments

• Light decreases with depth.
• Temperature affects aquatic environments.
• Salt content classifies aquatic environments into freshwater or saltwater.

Freshwater Environments

• Freshwater has very little salt.
• It may be used for drinking or crop irrigation.
• Freshwater environments are distinguished primarily by water movement.

Moving Bodies of Water

• Streams and rivers are considered moving bodies of water.
• Water moves quickly in the upper courses of rivers, slowing down nearing the mouth.

Still Bodies of Water

• Ponds, lagoons, lakes, and swamps are considered still bodies of water.
• Their waters have little movement.
• Some are always filled with water and are deep, while others only contain water when it rains.

Saltwater Environments

• Saltwater has a high salt content.
• It cannot be used for drinking or crop irrigation.
• Saltwater environments differ based on light levels.

Coasts

• They are shallow areas that receive plenty of sunlight.
• Multicellular algae attach to the seafloor in the coasts because of sunlight.

Open Sea

• It is deep water where light barely reaches the surface.
• Unicellular algae inhabit the sunlit surface areas of the open sea..

Terrestrial Environments

• Terrestrial environments are diverse, resulting in numerous ecosystems, due to various factors.

Factors That Affect Terrestrial Environments

• Temperature is highest at the equator and decreases toward the poles.
• Water freezes at very low temperatures, preventing plant growth.
• Humidity relies mainly on rainfall.
• Animals and plants require humidity.
• Areas with abundant humidity support richer life.
• Terrain shape is called relief.
• Terrain can be flat, mountainous, or cliff-like.
• Steep terrain can make it difficult for plants to root and animals to navigate.
• Soil is the earth layer where plants root and obtain water and minerals.
• Some soils are deeper and more fertile, which promote better plant growth.
• Soil loss reduces vegetation.

Rocks

• Rocks cover the entire land surface, though many are underground.
• Rocks originate in many ways.
• Basalt forms from volcanic lava.
• Conglomerates originate from fragments of other rocks.
• Granite forms at high temperatures inside the Earth.
• Limestone forms on the seabed from shells accumulating for millions of years.
• Some rocks, like coal, come from the remains of plants.
• Rock types affect soil and terrain.

Biodiversity

• Biodiversity means variety of life on Earth.
• The exact number of species is unknown, but over two million have been identified, while other research says there is more than that.
• Biodiversity varies across the globe.
• Ecosystems with the greatest biodiversity include tropical forests and coral reefs.
• About half of Earth’s species live in those ecosystems.
• Biodiversity provides many benefits.
• Raw materials, primarily food
• Energy sources like biomass
• Recreation and enjoyment
• Regulates humidity and purifies water

Loss of Biodiversity

• Biodiversity decreases when a species disappears from an area.
• The process of species disappearing is called extinction.
• Extinction occurs locally or nationally.
• When extinction is global, the species is permanently lost.

Main Causes of Extinction

• Destroying habitats through fires, construction, and farming.
• Contaminating the water, earth, or air.
• Overhunting or overfishing endangered species.
• Losing one species is detrimental and affects the entire ecosystem
• If producers die out, consumers starve and also die off.

Caring for Ecosystems

• Most human activities cause ecosystem disruption, but actions can minimize these effects.

Actions Authorities Can Take

• Organizing waste collection for recycling.
• Preventing and combating forest fires.
• Authorizing and supervising construction projects so they do not effect ecosystems.
• Identifying and protecting endangered creatures by establishing legislation and recovery programs.
• Designating valuable ecosystems for conservation, such as national parks and imposing limits on hunting, fishing, and development.

Citizen Responsibilities

• Individuals can help safeguard ecosystems by using the following practices.
• Conserving water by taking showers instead of baths and not leaving the water running while brushing your teeth to protect rivers and lakes.
• Saving energy
• Reduces pollution
• Utilizes low-energy appliances and public transportation.
• Recycling waste involves sorting household trash and disposing of it in designated containers.
• Respecting nature means respecting animals and plants, collecting trash, and preventing starting fires while in the outdoors.