Aquatic Ecosystems
Four factors that determine which organisms live in which area of water
temperature, sunlight, O2, nutrients
Lakes and ponds form where?
where groundwataer reaches the earth's surface
Define freshwater wetlands
areas of land that are covered with freshwater for at least part of the year
Describe swamps
occur on flat, poorly drained land, often near streams and are surrounded by woody shrubs and water loving trees
Describe a river from its' headwaters as it flows downward?
at its headwaters a river is usually cold and full of oxygen and as it flows downward it broadens, becomes warmer, wider, slower and less oxygen
Three organisms in aquatic ecosystems
plankton, nekton, benthos
What do plants, algae and bacteria capture through photosynthesis?
energy
Why do wetlands act as filters or sponges?
because they absorb and remove pollutants from the water that flows through them and improves water quality
Who is the main predator of swamps? Why?
American alligators
it will eat anything within its habitat
what are rhizoids
root like structures to anchor mosses to rocks
Where does plankton float near
the surface
Why does photosynthesis not occur in the benthic zone?
there is no sunlight provided for it to occur
What do wetlands control and provide?
controls flooding
provides a home for native and migratory wildlife
What is the human impact on the wetlands?
many have been drained, filled and cleared for farms or residential and commercial development
Where would you find trout and minnows
headwaters
Nekton are what kind of organisms? Give 3 examples.
free swimming
fish, turtles, whales
How can eutrophication be accelerated?
by runoff, or precipitatioan that can carry sewage, fertilizers, or animal waste into bodies of water
Describe marshes
occur on low, flat lands and have little water movement
How large were the Florida Everglades at one time? How large are they now?
8 million acres
2 million acres
How do industries use river water
in manufacturing processes and as receptacles for waste
Benthos are what kind of organisms? Give 2 examples.
bottom dwelling organisms
mussels, worms
Define eutrophication
increase in the amount of nutrients in an aquatic ecosystem
What is the difference between brackish marshes and salt marshes?
brackish marshes have slightly salty water
sale marshes have very salty water
Where do many rivers originate from?
snow melt in mountains
Who is prettier? Mr. Charlie or Ms. Jo Jo
Ms Jo JO