aquatic bio me

8/3/2019 Aquatic Bio Me

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Aquatic EcosystemsAquatic Ecosystems

FreshwaterFreshwater

Ponds & LakesPonds & LakesStreams &Streams &

RiversRivers

WetlandsWetlands

MarineMarine

OceansOceansCoral ReefsCoral Reefs

EstuariesEstuaries


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FreshwaterFreshwater

Ponds & LakesPonds & Lakes

Streams & RiversStreams & Rivers

WetlandsWetlands


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FreshwaterFreshwaterFreshwater is defined as having aFreshwater is defined as having alow salt concentrationlow salt concentrationusuallyusuallyless than 1%less than 1%

Plants and animals in freshwaterPlants and animals in freshwaterregions are adjusted to the lowregions are adjusted to the low

salt content and would not besalt content and would not beable to survive in areas of highable to survive in areas of highsalt concentration (i.e, ocean)salt concentration (i.e, ocean)


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Ponds and LakesPonds and Lakesrange in size from just a few square meters torange in size from just a few square meters tothousands of square kilometersthousands of square kilometers

ponds may be seasonal, lasting just a coupleponds may be seasonal, lasting just a coupleof months (such as sessile pools)of months (such as sessile pools)

lakes may exist for hundreds of years orlakes may exist for hundreds of years ormoremore

may have limited species diversity sincemay have limited species diversity sincethey are often isolated from one another andthey are often isolated from one another andfrom other water sources like rivers andfrom other water sources like rivers and

oceansoceans


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Ponds and LakesPonds and Lakes

divided into three different zonesdivided into three different zones

determined by depth and distancedetermined by depth and distance

from the shorelinefrom the shoreline

littoral zonelittoral zone

limnetic zonelimnetic zoneprofundal zoneprofundal zone


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Littoral ZoneLittoral Zonewarmest since it is shallow and can absorb more ofwarmest since it is shallow and can absorb more ofthe Suns heatthe Suns heat

sustains a fairly diverse community, which cansustains a fairly diverse community, which can

include several species of algae (like diatoms),include several species of algae (like diatoms),rooted and floating aquatic plants, grazing snails,rooted and floating aquatic plants, grazing snails,clams, insects, crustaceans, fishes, and amphibiansclams, insects, crustaceans, fishes, and amphibians

the egg and larvae stages of some insects are foundthe egg and larvae stages of some insects are found

in this zonein this zonevegetation and animals living in the littoral zone arevegetation and animals living in the littoral zone arefood for other creatures such as turtles, snakes, andfood for other creatures such as turtles, snakes, andducksducks


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Profundal ZoneProfundal ZonePlankton have short life spansPlankton have short life spanswhenwhenthey die, they fall into the deepthey die, they fall into the deep--waterwater

part of the lake/pondpart of the lake/pondmuch colder and denser than the othermuch colder and denser than the othertwotwo

little light penetrates all the way throughlittle light penetrates all the way throughthe limnetic zone into the profundal zonethe limnetic zone into the profundal zone

animals are decomposersanimals are decomposers


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Ponds and LakesPonds and LakesTemperatureTemperature

varies seasonally.varies seasonally.

SummerSummerfrom 4from 4 C near the bottom to 22C near the bottom to 22 C at the topC at the top

WinterWinter

from 4from 4 C while the top is 0C while the top is 0 C (ice)C (ice)

between the two layers is a narrow zonebetween the two layers is a narrow zonecalled the thermocline where the temperaturecalled the thermocline where the temperatureof the water changes rapidly with depthof the water changes rapidly with depth


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during the spring and fall seasons is aduring the spring and fall seasons is amixing of the top and bottom layersmixing of the top and bottom layersresulting in a uniform water temperatureresulting in a uniform water temperature

of around 4of around 4 CCmixing also circulates oxygenmixing also circulates oxygenthroughout the lakethroughout the lake

many lakes and ponds do not freezemany lakes and ponds do not freezeduring the winter resulting in the topduring the winter resulting in the toplayer being a little warmerlayer being a little warmer


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ice can develop on the top of lakesice can develop on the top of lakesduring winterduring winter

blocks out sunlight and can preventblocks out sunlight and can preventphotosynthesisphotosynthesis

oxygen levels drop and some plantsoxygen levels drop and some plants

and animals may dieand animals may die

called "winterkill."called "winterkill."


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Ponds andPonds and

LakesLakes


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bodies of flowing water moving in onebodies of flowing water moving in onedirectiondirection

found everywherefound everywherethey get their startthey get their startat headwaters, which may be springs,at headwaters, which may be springs,snowmelt or even lakessnowmelt or even lakes

travel all the way to their mouths,travel all the way to their mouths,usually another water channel or theusually another water channel or theoceanocean


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WatershedWatersheddescribes an areadescribes an areaof land thatof land thatcontains a commoncontains a common

set of streams andset of streams andriversrivers

drains into a singledrains into a single

larger body oflarger body ofwater, such as awater, such as alarger river, a lakelarger river, a lakeor an oceanor an ocean


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characteristics change during thecharacteristics change during thejourney from the source to the mouthjourney from the source to the mouth

temperature is cooler at the sourcetemperature is cooler at the sourcethan it is at the mouththan it is at the mouth

water is also clearer, has higherwater is also clearer, has higher

oxygen levels, and freshwater fish suchoxygen levels, and freshwater fish suchas trout and heterotrophs can be foundas trout and heterotrophs can be foundtherethere


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Towards the middle part of theTowards the middle part of the

stream/river, the width increases, asstream/river, the width increases, as

does species diversitydoes species diversitynumerousnumerousaquatic green plants and algae can beaquatic green plants and algae can be

foundfound


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Streams & RiversStreams & Riverstoward the mouth the water becomes murkytoward the mouth the water becomes murkyfrom all the sediments that it has picked upfrom all the sediments that it has picked upupstreamupstream

decreasing the amount of light that candecreasing the amount of light that canpenetrate through the waterpenetrate through the water

less lightless light

less diversity of floraless diversity of floralower oxygen levelslower oxygen levels

fish that require less oxygen, such as catfishfish that require less oxygen, such as catfish

and carp, can be foundand carp, can be found


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Streams &Streams &

RiversRivers


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WetlandsWetlands

Wetlands are areas of standingWetlands are areas of standing

water that support aquatic plantswater that support aquatic plants

Marshes, swamps, and bogs areMarshes, swamps, and bogs are

all considered wetlandsall considered wetlands


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WetlandsWetlandsPlantsPlants

adapted to the very moist and humidadapted to the very moist and humidconditions are called hydrophytesconditions are called hydrophytes

Pond lilies Cattails SedgesPond lilies Cattails Sedges

Tamarack Black SpruceTamarack Black Spruce

Gum CypressGum Cypress


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WetlandsWetlandshighest species diversity of all ecosystemshighest species diversity of all ecosystems

many species of amphibians, reptiles, birdsmany species of amphibians, reptiles, birds

(such as ducks and waders), and furbearers(such as ducks and waders), and furbearerscan be found in the wetlandscan be found in the wetlands

not considered freshwater ecosystems asnot considered freshwater ecosystems as

there are some, such as salt marshes, thatthere are some, such as salt marshes, thathave high salt concentrationshave high salt concentrationsthesethesesupport different species of animals, suchsupport different species of animals, suchas shrimp, shellfish, and various grassesas shrimp, shellfish, and various grasses


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WetlandsWetlands

River OtterRiver Otter

Damselfly Dragonfly MayflyDamselfly Dragonfly Mayfly

Crayfish Snails Leech Bluegill BassCrayfish Snails Leech Bluegill Bass

Catfish Sculpin Minnow SnakesCatfish Sculpin Minnow Snakes

Frog TurtleFrog Turtle

Great Blue Heron Canadian GooseGreat Blue Heron Canadian Goose


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Aquatic EcosystemsAquatic Ecosystems

MarineMarine

OceansOceans

Coral ReefsCoral ReefsEstuariesEstuaries


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MarineMarinecover about threecover about three--fourths of the Earthsfourths of the Earthssurface and include oceans, coral reefs,surface and include oceans, coral reefs,

and estuariesand estuariesalgae supply much of the worldsalgae supply much of the worldsoxygen supply and take in a hugeoxygen supply and take in a huge

amount of atmospheric carbon dioxideamount of atmospheric carbon dioxideevaporation of the seawater providesevaporation of the seawater providesrainwater for the landrainwater for the land


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OceansOceans

largest of all the ecosystemslargest of all the ecosystemsdominate the Earths surfacedominate the Earths surface

separate zonesseparate zones

IntertidalIntertidalPelagicPelagic

AbyssalAbyssal

BenthicBenthicgreat diversity of speciesgreat diversity of species

richest diversity of species even though itrichest diversity of species even though it

contains fewer species than there are on landcontains fewer species than there are on land


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OceansOceans


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Intertidal ZoneIntertidal Zone

where the ocean meets the landwhere the ocean meets the landsometimes submerged and at othersometimes submerged and at other

times exposedtimes exposed

waves and tides come in and outwaves and tides come in and out

communities are constantlycommunities are constantly

changingchanging


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rocky coastsrocky coastsstratified verticallystratified vertically

Where only highest tides reachWhere only highest tides reach

a few species of algae and mollusksa few species of algae and mollusks

submerged during high tidesubmerged during high tide

more diverse array of algae and small animals,more diverse array of algae and small animals,such as herbivorous snails, crabs, sea stars, andsuch as herbivorous snails, crabs, sea stars, and

small fishessmall fishesbottom of the intertidal zonebottom of the intertidal zone

only exposed during the lowest tides, manyonly exposed during the lowest tides, manyinvertebrates, fishes, and seaweed can be foundinvertebrates, fishes, and seaweed can be found


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sandier shoressandier shoresnot as stratifiednot as stratified

waves keep mud and sand constantlywaves keep mud and sand constantly

movingmoving

very few algae and plants can establishvery few algae and plants can establish

themselvesthemselvesthe fauna include worms,the fauna include worms,

clams, predatory crustaceans, crabs, andclams, predatory crustaceans, crabs, andshorebirds.shorebirds.


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Wave RegionsWave Regions

much stronger than windmuch stronger than wind

decide what grows wheredecide what grows where

shores classified by amount of wave actionshores classified by amount of wave action

Exposed shoresExposed shores receive full brunt of the ocean for most or atreceive full brunt of the ocean for most or atleast some of the timeleast some of the time

SemiSemi--exposed shoresexposed shores sheltered by barrier islands but stillsheltered by barrier islands but still

have to cope with waveshave to cope with waves

Sheltered shoresSheltered shores shelter of peninsulas and inshore islandsshelter of peninsulas and inshore islandsEnclosed shoresEnclosed shores

river mouths and estuariesriver mouths and estuaries

completely sheltered by either a protective rocks or a sand barcompletely sheltered by either a protective rocks or a sand bar


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PelagicPelagic Open OceanOpen Ocean

waters further from the land, basicallywaters further from the land, basicallythe open oceanthe open ocean

generally cold though it is hard to give agenerally cold though it is hard to give a

general temperature range since, justgeneral temperature range since, just

like ponds and lakes, there is thermallike ponds and lakes, there is thermal

stratification with a constant mixing ofstratification with a constant mixing ofwarm and cold ocean currentswarm and cold ocean currents


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EpipelagicEpipelagic Open OceanOpen Oceanextends down to around 200mextends down to around 200m

lowest depth that light can penetratelowest depth that light can penetrate

flora in the epipelagic zone includeflora in the epipelagic zone includesurface seaweedssurface seaweeds

fauna include many species of fish andfauna include many species of fish and

some mammals, such as whales andsome mammals, such as whales anddolphinsdolphins

many feed on the abundant planktonmany feed on the abundant plankton


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Mesopelagic ZoneMesopelagic Zone

"twilight zone" of the ocean"twilight zone" of the oceanphotic zone abovephotic zone abovedarkness belowdarkness below

food becomes scarcefood becomes scarce some animalssome animalsmigrate up to the surface at night to feedmigrate up to the surface at night to feedrely on food that falls down from aboverely on food that falls down from above

eat each othereat each other sometimes the only things to eat may be biggersometimes the only things to eat may be biggerthan the hunterthan the hunter

developed long sharp teeth,developed long sharp teeth, expandable jaws and stomachsexpandable jaws and stomachs

http://oceanlink.island.net/oinfo/deepsea/meso.html


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http://oceanlink.island.net/oinfo/deepsea/meso.html

ctenophore related to jellyfish

Big Scale - ambush predator cilia can be illuminated

Firefly squid

three kinds of photophores

Hatchet Fish

only a few inches long

Viperfish

specially adapted hinged skull

Dragonfish - stomachs hold big meals

Snipeel

up to 1.2m Siphonophores are colonies of animals

related to jellyfish

best known is Portugese Man of War


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Bathypelagic ZoneBathypelagic Zone

extends down from 1000 to 4000mextends down from 1000 to 4000m

only light is from bioluminescent organismsonly light is from bioluminescent organisms

only food is what trickles down from above, oronly food is what trickles down from above, orfrom eating other animalsfrom eating other animals

water pressure at this depth is considerablewater pressure at this depth is considerable(~100(~100 400 atmospheres)400 atmospheres)

most animals are either black or red in colormost animals are either black or red in color

very littlevery little blueblue//greengreen light penetrates this deeplight penetrates this deep redred is not reflected and looks blackis not reflected and looks black


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Narcomedusa

Vampire Squid

Snake Dragon

Angler Fish

Amphi - crustacean

Ctenophore voracious predator

Deepstaria very slow swimmers,

no tentacles, close flexible bells

(up to a meter across) aroundtheir prey

Big Red

grows to over

a meter across


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Abyssopelagic ZoneAbyssopelagic Zone -- the Abyssthe Abyss

4000m to the sea floor4000m to the sea floor

only zone deeper than this is the hadalonly zone deeper than this is the hadal

zonezoneareas found in deep sea trenches andareas found in deep sea trenches andcanyonscanyons

home to pretty inhospitable livinghome to pretty inhospitable livingconditionsconditions

nearnear-- freezing temperaturesfreezing temperatures

crushing pressurescrushing pressures


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Deep Water SquidDeep Water Squid

BasketstarBasketstar

Sea PigSea Pig Sea SpiderSea Spider

ShrimpShrimp

Winged Sea CucumberWinged Sea Cucumber

MedussaMedussa

Deep Sea SmokerDeep Sea Smoker -- 648648FF

DeepDeep--sea Anemonesea Anemone Hydrothermal VentHydrothermal Vent


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1. Ballina Angelfish

2. Beaked Salmon

3. A deepsea anglerfish (no common name)

4. Duckbilled Eel

5. A fanfin anglerfish

6. Fangtooth7. Gilbert's Halosaur

8. Gulper Eel

9. Hammerjaw

10. Largescale New Laternfish

11. Longray Spiderfish

12. Portuguese Dogfish

13. Sharpnose Sevengill Shark

14. Short-tail Torpedo Ray

15. Silver Lighthouse Fish16. A snaggletooth (no common name)

17. Snubnosed Eel

18. Southern Spineback

19. Sparkling Slickhead

20. Spiky Oreo

21. Stoplight Loosejaw

22. Triplewart Seadevil

23. Viperfish

http://www.amonline.net.au/fishes/about/fieldwork/norfanz/


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A Look at aA Look at a

Marine BiomeMarine Biome

Created byCreated by

TerriTerri StreetStreet

The Coral Reef BiomeThe Coral Reef Biome


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What Is a Coral Reef?What Is a Coral Reef?A structure formed by coral polyps,A structure formed by coral polyps,

tiny animals that live in colonies.tiny animals that live in colonies.Coral polyps form a hard, stony,Coral polyps form a hard, stony,

branching structure made ofbranching structure made of

limestone.limestone.

New polyps attach to old coral andNew polyps attach to old coral and

gradually build the reef.gradually build the reef.


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Types of Coral ReefsTypes of Coral ReefsFringing reefsFringing reefs

Submerged platforms of living coralSubmerged platforms of living coralextending from the shore into the seaextending from the shore into the sea

Barrier reefsBarrier reefs

Follow the shore but are separated fromFollow the shore but are separated fromit by waterit by water

Great Barrier Reef is worlds largestGreat Barrier Reef is worlds largest


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Types of Coral ReefsTypes of Coral ReefsAtollsAtolls

RingRing--shaped islands of coral in open seashaped islands of coral in open seaForm on submerged mud banks orForm on submerged mud banks orvolcano cratersvolcano craters

Surround a seawater lagoonSurround a seawater lagoonChannels connect lagoon to the seaChannels connect lagoon to the sea


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A World of Coral ReefsA World of Coral Reefs

= Coral Reef


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Coral Reef ClimateCoral Reef ClimateUsually foundUsually found near landnear land in shallow,in shallow,

warm salt waterwarm salt waterLots of lightLots of light

Tropical temperatures, averagingTropical temperatures, averaging 7070--

8585 FF

Most coral cannot survive below 65Most coral cannot survive below 65 FF


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Coral Reef PlantsCoral Reef PlantsPhytoplanktonPhytoplankton

MicroscopicMicroscopicBasis for all oceanBasis for all ocean

food chainsfood chains


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Coral Reef PlantsCoral Reef PlantsAlgaeAlgae

GreenGreen

RedRed

Brown algaeBrown algaetakes many formstakes many forms


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Coral Reef PlantsCoral Reef PlantsSeaweed and Sea grassesSeaweed and Sea grasses

Brown seaweedBrown seaweedSea grassSea grass

Shoal grassShoal grass

Turtle grassTurtle grass

Fascinating Fact: The GreatFascinating Fact: The Great


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Worlds largest coral reefWorlds largest coral reef

Over 1257 milesOver 1257 mileslonglong

Off the northeastOff the northeastcoast of Australiacoast of Australia

Only grows aboutOnly grows aboutone inch per yearone inch per year

Fascinating Fact: The GreatFascinating Fact: The Great

Barrier ReefBarrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef:The Great Barrier Reef:


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15001500 speciesspecies of fishof fish

400 different types of coral400 different types of coral

4,000 mollusks4,000 mollusks

500 species of seaweed500 species of seaweed

215 species of birds215 species of birds

16 species of sea snake16 species of sea snake

6 species of sea turtle6 species of sea turtle

Whales visit during winterWhales visit during winter

The Great Barrier Reef:The Great Barrier Reef:

Home toHome to


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Coral Reef CreaturesCoral Reef CreaturesCoral polypsCoral polyps

TentaclesTentacles

DigestiveDigestivesacsac

ConnectingConnectingfilamentsfilaments

Skeletal bodySkeletal body

Coral polypsCoral polyps

TentaclesTentacles

DigestiveDigestivesacsac

ConnectingConnectingfilamentsfilaments

Skeletal bodySkeletal body


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Coral Reef CreaturesCoral Reef CreaturesSymbioticSymbiotic relationshipsrelationships

Coral withCoral withalgaealgae

Clown fishClown fish

with seawith seaanemonesanemones


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Coral Reef CreaturesCoral Reef CreaturesTropical fishTropical fish

Angel fishAngel fish

John DoryJohn Dory

Butterfly fishButterfly fish

Sea horseOctopus

Reef shark

Sea horseOctopus

Reef shark

F i ti F tF i ti F t


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Very weak swimmersVery weak swimmers

Female lays eggs, male carries themFemale lays eggs, male carries themin pouch till birthin pouch till birth

Only animal in which the father givesOnly animal in which the father givesbirthbirth

Body covered with armored platesBody covered with armored plates

Fascinating Fact:Fascinating Fact:

The Sea HorseThe Sea Horse


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Sample Food ChainSample Food Chain

Moray Eel

Octopus

Coral

Zooplankton

Phytoplankton

Starfish


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Endangered Coral ReefsEndangered Coral Reefs

Major threats to coral reefsMajor threats to coral reefs

include:include:Ocean pollutionOcean pollution

Dredging off theDredging off thecoastcoast


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Endangered Coral ReefsEndangered Coral Reefs

Other dangers:Other dangers:

Careless collection of coral specimensCareless collection of coral specimens

SedimentationSedimentation

Inhibits growth of coral polypsInhibits growth of coral polyps Inhibits algae growthInhibits algae growth

Upsets balance of the biomeUpsets balance of the biome


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EstuariesEstuaries

enclosed body of water formed whereenclosed body of water formed where

freshwater from rivers and streams flows intofreshwater from rivers and streams flows into

the ocean, mixing with the salty sea waterthe ocean, mixing with the salty sea water

estuaries and the lands surrounding them areestuaries and the lands surrounding them areplaces of transition from land to sea, and fromplaces of transition from land to sea, and from

fresh to salt waterfresh to salt water

although influenced by the tides, estuaries arealthough influenced by the tides, estuaries are

protected from the full force of ocean waves,protected from the full force of ocean waves,winds, and storms by the reefs, barrier islands,winds, and storms by the reefs, barrier islands,

or fingers of land, mud, or sand that define anor fingers of land, mud, or sand that define an

estuary's seaward boundaryestuary's seaward boundary

http://www.epa.gov/owow/estuaries/about1.htm


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Estuaries are semiEstuaries are semi--enclosed bodies of water whereenclosed bodies of water where

fresh water from the land mixes with sea water.fresh water from the land mixes with sea water.

Estuaries originate as: drownedEstuaries originate as: drownedriver valleys, fjords, barriver valleys, fjords, bar--builtbuiltestuaries, and tectonic estuaries.estuaries, and tectonic estuaries.

Salinity typically grades fromSalinity typically grades fromnormal marine salinity at the tidalnormal marine salinity at the tidalinlet to fresh water at the mouth ofinlet to fresh water at the mouth ofthe river.the river.


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Estuaries can be subdivided into three types basedEstuaries can be subdivided into three types based

upon the relative importance of river inflow andupon the relative importance of river inflow and

tidal mixing.tidal mixing.

SaltSalt--wedge estuaries are dominated by the outflow fromwedge estuaries are dominated by the outflow fromrivers.rivers.

PartiallyPartially--mixed estuaries are dominated by neither rivermixed estuaries are dominated by neither riverinflow nor tidal mixing.inflow nor tidal mixing.

In wellIn well--mixed estuaries tidal turbulence destroys themixed estuaries tidal turbulence destroys thehalocline and water stratification.halocline and water stratification.

Because river discharge and tidal flow vary, conditionsBecause river discharge and tidal flow vary, conditionswithin an estuary can also change, being wellwithin an estuary can also change, being well--mixed whenmixed whenriver flow decreases relative to tidal mixing, to becoming ariver flow decreases relative to tidal mixing, to becoming asaltsalt--wedge estuary at times of maximum river discharge.wedge estuary at times of maximum river discharge.


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The widely fluctuating environmental conditions inThe widely fluctuating environmental conditions in

estuaries make life stressful for organisms.estuaries make life stressful for organisms.

Estuaries are extremely fertile because nutrients areEstuaries are extremely fertile because nutrients arebrought in by rivers and recycled from the bottom becausebrought in by rivers and recycled from the bottom becauseof the turbulence.of the turbulence.

Stressful conditions and abundant nutrients result in lowStressful conditions and abundant nutrients result in lowspecies diversity, but great abundance of the speciesspecies diversity, but great abundance of the speciespresent.present.

Despite abundance of nutrients, phytoplankton blooms areDespite abundance of nutrients, phytoplankton blooms areirregular and the base of the food chain is detritus washedirregular and the base of the food chain is detritus washedin from adjacent salt marshes.in from adjacent salt marshes.

The benthonic fauna strongly reflects the nature of theThe benthonic fauna strongly reflects the nature of thesubstrate and most fishes are juvenile forms living withinsubstrate and most fishes are juvenile forms living withinthe estuary until they mature and migrate to the ocean.the estuary until they mature and migrate to the ocean.


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EstuariesEstuaries

Estuaries are sometimes called marineEstuaries are sometimes called marine

nurseriesnurseries

habitats for many juvenile organisms, especiallyhabitats for many juvenile organisms, especially

for fishesfor fishes

many fish are born and grow up in estuariesmany fish are born and grow up in estuaries

migrate to the open oceanmigrate to the open ocean

http://www.epa.gov/owow/estuaries/about1.htm


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Lagoons are isolated to semiLagoons are isolated to semi--enclosed, shallow,enclosed, shallow,

coastal bodies of water that receive little if anycoastal bodies of water that receive little if anyfresh water inflow.fresh water inflow.

Lagoons can occur at any latitude and their salinitiesLagoons can occur at any latitude and their salinities

vary from brackish to hypersaline depending uponvary from brackish to hypersaline depending uponclimate and local hydrology.climate and local hydrology.

Bottom sediments are usually sand or mud eroded whichBottom sediments are usually sand or mud eroded which

was from the shoreline or swept in through the tidal inlet.was from the shoreline or swept in through the tidal inlet.

In the tropics, the water column is typically isothermal.In the tropics, the water column is typically isothermal.In the subtropics, salinity generally increases away fromIn the subtropics, salinity generally increases away from

the inlet and the lagoon may display inverse flow.the inlet and the lagoon may display inverse flow.

Salt marshes are intertidal flatsSalt marshes are intertidal flats


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Salt marshes are intertidal flatsSalt marshes are intertidal flats

covered by grassy vegetation.covered by grassy vegetation.Marshes are most commonly found in protected areasMarshes are most commonly found in protected areaswith a moderate tidal range, such as the landward sidewith a moderate tidal range, such as the landward sideof barrier islands.of barrier islands.

Marshes flood daily at high tide and then drain throughMarshes flood daily at high tide and then drain througha series of channels with the ebb tide.a series of channels with the ebb tide.

They are one of the most productive environments.They are one of the most productive environments.

Marshes can be divided into two parts: Low saltMarshes can be divided into two parts: Low salt

marshes and High salt marshes.marshes and High salt marshes.Distribution and density of organisms in salt marshesDistribution and density of organisms in salt marshesstrongly reflects availability of food, need forstrongly reflects availability of food, need forprotection, and frequency of flooding.protection, and frequency of flooding.

Mangroves are large woody trees with aMangroves are large woody trees with a


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Mangroves are large woody trees with aMangroves are large woody trees with a

dense, complex root system that growsdense, complex root system that grows

downward from the branchesdownward from the branchesMangroves are the dominant plant of theMangroves are the dominant plant of thetropical and subtropical intertidal areatropical and subtropical intertidal area

Distribution of the trees is largelyDistribution of the trees is largelycontrolled by air temperature, exposurecontrolled by air temperature, exposureto wave and current attack, tidal range,to wave and current attack, tidal range,

substrate and sea water chemistrysubstrate and sea water chemistryDetritus from the mangrove forms theDetritus from the mangrove forms thebase of the food chainbase of the food chain


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BibliographyBibliography1.1. http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/glossary/gloss5/biome/index.htmlhttp://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/glossary/gloss5/biome/index.html

2.2. http://www.enchantedlearning.com/biomes/marsh/freshwater.shtmlhttp://www.enchantedlearning.com/biomes/marsh/freshwater.shtml

3.3. http://mbgnet.mobot.org/http://mbgnet.mobot.org/

4.4. http://www.runet.edu/~swoodwar/CLASSES/GEOG235/biomes/intro.htmlhttp://www.runet.edu/~swoodwar/CLASSES/GEOG235/biomes/intro.html

5.5. http://archive.globe.gov/sdahttp://archive.globe.gov/sda--

bin/wt/ghp/tg+L(en)+P(seasons/Miniinvestigation)bin/wt/ghp/tg+L(en)+P(seasons/Miniinvestigation)

6.6. http://www.panda.org/about_wwf/where_we_work/ecoregions/global200/paghttp://www.panda.org/about_wwf/where_we_work/ecoregions/global200/pag

es/home.htmes/home.htm

7.7. Coral Reefs. World Book. Chicago: World Book, 1998. Vol. 4, p. 257.Coral Reefs. World Book. Chicago: World Book, 1998. Vol. 4, p. 257.

8.8. Coral Reefs.Coral Reefs. http://kidscience.about.com/kids/kidscience/cs/coralreefs/http://kidscience.about.com/kids/kidscience/cs/coralreefs/

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