Aquatic Ecosystems

Front

What are wetlands and why are they important to fisheries in the United States?

Back

Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil or is present near the surface for part of the year. They are important to fisheries because many fish species use wetlands for feeding and spawning.

Front

What role do wetlands and estuaries play in water purification?

Back

Wetlands and estuaries purify water by filtering out pollution and sediments, improving water quality.

Front

What is phytoplankton and its significance in aquatic ecosystems?

Back

Phytoplankton are microscopic organisms that use photosynthesis to convert sunlight into energy, forming the base of the aquatic food web.

Front

Define estuaries and their ecological importance.

Back

Estuaries are areas where freshwater from rivers meets and mixes with saltwater from the ocean. They are ecologically important as they provide habitat for diverse species and serve as nurseries for many fish.

Front

What factors affect aquatic ecosystems?

Back

Factors affecting aquatic ecosystems include temperature, salinity, nutrient availability, pollution, and human activities.

Front

How do wetlands contribute to biodiversity?

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Wetlands provide diverse habitats for a variety of species, supporting high levels of biodiversity.

Front

What is the difference between freshwater and saltwater ecosystems?

Back

Freshwater ecosystems contain low concentrations of salt, while saltwater ecosystems, such as oceans and estuaries, have higher salt concentrations.

Front

Explain the concept of nutrient cycling in aquatic ecosystems.

Back

Nutrient cycling in aquatic ecosystems involves the movement and exchange of nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus through biotic and abiotic components, supporting life.

Front

What are the primary producers in aquatic ecosystems?

Back

The primary producers in aquatic ecosystems are phytoplankton and aquatic plants, which convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis.

Front

How do human activities impact aquatic ecosystems?

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Human activities such as pollution, overfishing, and habitat destruction can lead to degradation of aquatic ecosystems, affecting biodiversity and ecosystem services.