Biomes

BiomesAquatic BiomesMarine vs. freshwaterMarine saltwaterFreshwater rivers, lakes, etc.Photic zone vs. Aphotic zonePhotic zone light penetrates, higher biodiversityAphotic zone light does not penetrate, lower biodiversityMarine BiomesCoral ReefsShallow water biomes (photic zone)Sunlight penetrates, so photosynthesis occursReefs built out of coral skeletons

Marine BiomesCoral reefsPlankton makes up base of food chainHighest biodiversity of any biomeFishes, crustaceans, mollusks, cnidarians (jellyfish, sea anemones, corals), sea turtles

Marine BiomesOpen oceanPhotic zone:Sunlight penetratesAphotic zone:No sunlight, crushing pressure, cold temperatures

Marine BiomesOpen oceanPhotic zone:Plankton serve as base of food chainFishes, mammals (whales), many invertebratesAphotic zone:Sinking plankton and dead organisms serve as base of food chainDeep-sea fishes, squids

Marine BiomesEstuariesWhere saltwater and freshwater mix (usually where rivers empty into oceans)

Marine BiomesEstuariesHigh biodiversityBreeding ground/nursery for many animalsMany birds, fishes, crustaceans, mollusks, mammalsSalt-tolerant plants

Freshwater BiomesLakes/PondsCan be nutrient-filled murky water or nutrient poor clear waterSusceptible to drying up

Freshwater BiomesLakes/PondsFishes, mammals, birds, insectsAquatic plants

Freshwater BiomesRivers/StreamsBody of water that flows

Freshwater BiomesRivers/StreamsBiodiversity depends on speed of currentHigher biodiversity in slower moving waterFishes, insects, invertebratesPlants

Freshwater BiomesWetlandsAreas that are flooded by freshwaterImportant in flood controlBreeding ground/nursery for many animalsMany plants

Terrestrial BiomesTundraAvg. temp: -26C to 12CAvg. precip: