Name
Class
Date
BUILD Understanding
Compare/Contrast Table Use a compare/contrast table when you want to see the
similarities and differences between two or more objects or processes.
As you read Lesson 5, record the similarities and differences of freshwater and marine
ecosystems in the chart below. An example has been provided.
Comparisons between Freshwater and Marine Ecosystems
Differences
Similarities
Freshwater
 shallow photic zone
 Both have zones.
Marine
 Photic zone may be up to 200
mdeep.
Ecosystem
Marine Ecosystems
Marine ecosystems are divided into regions or zones. These zones are based on depth of water
and distance from shore. The open ocean is divided into two main zones according to light
penetration: the photic and the aphotic zone.
Follow the directions.
1. Find the photic zone in the diagram. Color it yellow.
2. Use these terms to label the marine zones: open ocean, intertidal zone, coastal ocean.
Answer the questions.
3. Which best describes the aphotic
zone?
A. the layer of the ocean where
photosynthesis occurs
B. the deep, dark area of the ocean
C. the shore of the ocean
D. the area from water surface
down to 100 meters
4. Which ocean location would
contain phytoplankton?
A. aphotic zone C. ocean trench
B. benthos
D. photic zone
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