Aquatic Ecosystem Web Quest Directions:
You are to use the given resources (links) to complete the questions on
this document. Your answers are to be presented in your notebooks. The assignment may be written or typed. It
can be in the form of notes, a concept map, a foldable, or any combination. You must include the questions.
Additional graphics/ illustrations are encouraged! Good luck and have fun!
RESOURCES
http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/watercycle.html
http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/earthwherewater.html
http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/wuww.html
http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/wateruse.html
http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/urbaneffects.html
http://wwwk12.atmos.washington.edu/k12/pilot/water_cycle/index.html
http://www.thewildclassroom.com/biomes
http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/wwvisit.html
http://www.cabq.gov/storm-drainage-design/storm-waterpollution-prevention/storm-water-pollution-prevention
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/exhibits/biomes/aquatic.php
http://www.worldbiomes.com/biomes_aquatic.htm
http://www.geography4kids.com/files/water_biomeaqua.htm
l
1. Streams/Rivers:
a. Where do streams & rivers get their start?
b. How does a river or a stream change during the journey from the source to the
mouth?
2. Lakes/Ponds:
a. Describe the diversity in Lakes & Ponds.
b. Describe the different zones found in lakes & ponds.
3. Wetlands:
a. What are wetlands? Give examples.
b. Name some characteristics of wetlands.
4. Estuaries:
a. What is an estuary?
b. What is the significance of estuaries?
5. Intertidal: What is the biological significance of the intertidal areas?
6. Coastal: Why are coastal areas important for humans?
7. Coral reefs: Describe two characteristics of coral reefs.
8. Oceanic pelagic (open ocean)
Oceans formed when rainwater filled _________ 3.8 billion years ago.
________ run into the ocean dissolving minerals like salt as they go.
__________ leaves salt in the ocean, which is why the ocean is _________.
Salinity has _______________, so the ocean is _______getting any more or
less salty. Salinity makes water ____________ and contributes to currents.
9. Abyssal (deep ocean)
a. What are adaptations of deep sea animals?
b. Give an example.
c. Explain how deep sea vents are teeming with life.
10.How much water is on earth? How much of that water is usable for drinking water?
11.Describe how water is treated for use by humans?
12.What effects does urbanization have on our water system?
13.Find out what “the dead zone” is. Here’s a few great sites on the topic:
http://www.smm.org/deadzone/top.html Listen to the 1-minute podcast at Scientific
American:http://www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/episode.cfm?id=gulf-of-mexicodead-zone-shrinks-09-07-27
a. What is the dead zone?
b. How do you think it affects fish?
c. What causes the dead zone?
Extra Credit
Create a collage of images that show how humans affect aquatic ecosystems.
Find three images representing an aquatic ecosystem. At least one should show the interactions
between organisms living there
Illustrate the life of a water drop. You may want to start with a dinosaur drinking water!