Freshwater Ecosystems

How are organisms in an aquatic ecosystem grouped?

• by size and shape

• by the food they eat

• by how they reproduce

• by location and adaptations

where do many benthic organisms live?

• attached to hard surfaces

• in open water

• near the surface of the water

• attached to benthos

How many groups of aquatic organisms were discussed in our lecture?

• 2

• 3

• 4

• 5

Which major groups of aquatic organisms were discussed?

• phytoplankton and zooplankton

• plankton, nekton, and benthos

• plankton, nekton, benthos, and decomposers

• plankton, phytoplankton, zooplankton, nekton, and benthos

The food base of most aquatic ecosystems are

• worms

• phytoplankton

• zooplankton

• fish

aquatic organisms that break down dead organisms

• phytoplankton

• zooplankton

• nekton

• benthos

• decomposers

drifting algae

• phytoplankton

• zooplankton

• nekton

• benthos

• decomposers

drifting animal-like protists

• phytoplankton

• zooplankton

• nekton

• benthos

• decomposers

aquatic organisms that dwell at the bottom of the water

• phytoplankton

• zooplankton

• nekton

• benthos

• decomposers

aquatic organisms that are free-swimming

• phytoplankton

• zooplankton

• nekton

• benthos

• decomposers