Aquatic systems Flashcards
Aquatic biomes
Classified by physical characteristics
- Depth
- Flow
- Salinity
Lotic
characterized by flowing freshwater
Ecological zones
based on
proximity to shore, light
penetration
Temperature driven
circulation
brings to
nutrients from sediment to
surface seasonally
Summer stratification
surface
waters gain heat faster than
deeper waters, and float on the
surface
Autumn overturn
Surface waters cool and
sink + winds → mixing
with deep waters
Winter stratification
surface
freezes, 0 °C water floats
beneath. 4 °C water, denser,
sinks to bottom
Spring overturn
surface waters
warm to 4 °C and sink + winds →
mixing with deeper water
Freshwater
swamps, marshes
and bogs
Saltwater
marshes and
mangrove swamps
– Salt marshes often found in/around
estuaries, nutrient-rich, highly
productive
– Mangroves prevent shoreline
erosion. Also found in estuaries
Intertidal zones
rocky or mudflats
– harsh fluctuating conditions (temperature,
moisture, salt)
Coral reefs
– Shallow ~20 °C waters. Exoskeleton of corals
(small animals) = reef structure
– High biodiversity!
Open ocean
generally sparse nutrients,
low productivity
– Photic vs. Aphotic zones
Control of movement through water
- Buoyancy control: swim bladder (bony fish), oil storage
(droplets in algae, fatty livers in sharks) - Stream-lined body shapes
Osmoregulation
- Salt/water balance a challenge
- Specialized kidneys
− Salt-water fish conserve H20
− Fresh-water fish conserve solutes - Retention of urea in some sharks
- Secretion of salt from mangrove
leaves
Spotted salamander- algae
mutualism:
- Eggs provide CO2
to the algae,
algae provide O2
to the eggs. - Eggs with algae hatch faster and
larger.
Coral bleaching
- Corals provide CO2
to zooxanthellae
(an algae), receive O2
and sugars - High temperatures cause algae to be
expelled:
– Coral loses color and symbiotic benefits
– 1 °C above average is enough
– 2-3 °C higher → coral death