Water Systems – Science 8
Factors that Affect Aquatic Species Distribution
NAME
DATE
Learning Outcomes Addressed
D3. describe factors that affect productivity and species distribution in aquatic environments
- identify various factors that affect productivity and species distribution in aquatic environments
Important terms
1. Biodiversity 2. Productivity 3. Adaptations -
Discuss as a class how each of the following factors affects aquatic species distribution:
1. Currents
2. Salinity
Notes and Activities – Science 8
Water Systems – Science 8
3. Pollutants
4. Resource Extraction
5. Dams
Notes and Activities – Science 8
Water Systems – Science 8
6. Depth of the Ocean
Open Ocean Water is divided into the following 5 zones:
Epipelagic Zone
200 m
Twilight Zone
1000 m
Bathyl Zone
2000 m
Abyssal
Zone
6000 m
Hadal
zone
-
sunlight allows for photosynthesis
warmest layer of water
food is plentiful
highest turbidity
-
dim light, warm water
animals may produce bioluminescence
food is plentiful
medium turbidity
-
no light
cool water
low turbidity
-
no light, may be transparent and no eyes!
extremely cold, high pressure
-
no light
extremely cold
rocky faces
Notes and Activities – Science 8