Aquatic Biomes
State Standards:
I CAN…Analyze the environments and interdependencies of organisms and in the world’s major biomes.
I CAN...Identify the biotic and abiotic elements in an environment.
Marine Ecosystems (Biomes)
Think about it
What abiotic factor is the defining characteristic of the marine ecosystem?
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The answer is……_______________________
Abiotic Factors
Marine Ecosystems shaped by many ABIOTIC FACTORS:
 water temperature
 water depth
 amount of sunlight that passes through water
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Salt content
Marine Biomes Include:
 oceans
 coral reefs
 and estuaries
Oceans
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Ocean biomes are the largest of all the biomes. Because they cover such a large region, they are divided into zones.
THERE ARE FOUR OCEAN ZONES:
 intertidal
 nertic (coral reef)
 pelagic (oceanic)

Benthic (abyssal)
Intertidal Zone o The intertidal zone is most commonly known as the tidal zone. This is the area where the ocean meets the
shore. This zone changes greatly throughout the day, depending upon the ocean's tides

Nertic Zone—Coral Reef o Coral reefs are usually found in shallow, warm waters. They are found along continents and islands. Coral reefs are made of algae and tissues of animal polyp. These areas are poor in nutrients, however the coral gets its nutrients from the algae
Oceanic/Pelagic Zone o The oceanic/pelagic zone is more commonly known as the open ocean. It is the farthest area from the shoreline. The temperature of this zone changes frequently due to the constant mixing of cold and warm ocean currents.
Benthic Zone o The area below the pelagic zone is called the benthic zone. This area goes all the way to the bottom of the ocean floor. In this zone, as the water gets deeper, the temperature gets cooler and the ocean gets darker
Estuaries
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This biome is unique because it involves both freshwater and salt water. In this area streams or rivers connect to the ocean. Species that live in this biome have to be able to survive in both types of water
Freshwater Ecosystems
Abiotic Factors
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Fresh Water Ecosystems are shaped by many ABIOTIC FACTORS: o water temperature o water depth o amount of sunlight that passes through water o Speed of the water
Types of Freshwater Ecosystems
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The Speed of the Water is the major abiotic factor that determines the type of Freshwater ecosystem.
Types of Freshwater ecosystem include:
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Rivers, lakes, streams, wetland, etc…
Spring
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Water flows from underground to the Earth’s surface.
Streams
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Water in brooks, streams, and rivers may flow from melting ice and snow.
Tributaries
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Each stream of water that joins a larger stream is called a tributary.
Rivers
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More tributaries join a stream, it becomes stronger and wider.
Pond and Lake Ecosystems
Similar to the ocean, pond and lake ecosystems are divided into smaller zone.

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Littoral Zone – area of water closest to edge of lake or pond
 sunlight reaches the bottom so algae & plants can grow there
 home to floating plants, snails, insects, clams, turtles, fish, snakes, salamanders
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Open-water Zone – extends from littoral zone across the top of the water
 goes as deep as sunlight can reach
 home to bass, trout, other fish, photosynthetic plankton live there
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Deep-water Zone – beneath other zones, no sunlight reaches
 home to catfish, carp, worms, crustaceans, fungi, bacteria live there (these organisms often feed on dead organisms that sink from above)
Wetland Ecosystem
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Wetlands - an area of land that is sometimes underwater or whose soil contains a great deal of moisture.
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Supports many different plants and animals.
Marsh
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Marsh - a treeless wetland ecosystem – mostly grasses
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Found in shallow areas along shores of lakes, ponds, rivers, streams.
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Plants – depends on depth of water and location
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Examples: marsh grasses, reeds, bulrushes and wild rice
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Animals - muskrats, turtles, frogs and birds
Swamp - a wetland ecosystem in which shrubs and trees grow.
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Location: - low-lying area beside slow-moving rivers.
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Most are flooded part of the year.
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What abiotic factor would hamper them from always being flooded?
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Trees - willows, bald cypresses, oaks
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Plants - vines, like poison ivy, orchids, water lilies and other standing water plants.
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Animals - fish, snakes, birds and alligators!

Putting it Together
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Use a Venn Diagram to Compare and Contrast Marine and Freshwater Biomes.
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Finish for homework if necessary.