Aquatic Ecosystems

An ecosystem consists of a community of organisms together with their physical environment. It is

formed by the interactions between all living and non-living things.

There are typically seven types of ecosystems such as the

1. Forest ecosystem
2. Grassland ecosystem
3. Desert ecosystem
4. Tundra ecosystem
5. Freshwater ecosystem
6. Marine ecosystem

These ecosystems are classified based on habitat. An aquatic ecosystem is one of the ecosystems
which is in a body of water. Communities of an organism are dependent on each other and the
environment. These types of ecosystems involve flowing or still water and can be fresh or saline.
There are three types of aquatic ecosystems:

1. Ponds ecosystem
2. Freshwater ecosystem
3. Marine ecosystem

A pond ecosystem is a closed community of organisms in a body of water. It is an enclosed body of

water that houses numerous different creatures. It’s a biological system that includes water and
plant and animal life interacting with each other.

A freshwater ecosystem is characterized by low salt content, making a suitable environment for
various plants and animals is known as a freshwater ecosystem. It varies in terms of size from very
small to large.

A marine ecosystem covers the largest surface on the earth. Two-thirds of the earth is covered by
water which constitutes oceans, seas, intertidal zone, reefs, seabed, etc. Form of each life is unique
and native to its habitat.

Function

An ecosystem is a discrete structural, functional, and life-sustaining environmental system. The

environmental system consists of biotic and abiotic components in a habitat. The biotic component
of the ecosystem includes the living organisms; plants, animals, and microbes whereas the abiotic
component include inorganic matter and energy. The ecosystem regulates the essential ecological
processes, supports life systems, and renders stability. It is also responsible for the cycling of
nutrients between biotic and abiotic components. It maintains a balance among the various trophic
levels in the ecosystem and cycles the minerals through the biosphere. The abiotic components
present in the ecosystem helps in the synthesis of organic components that involves the exchange of
energy.

Threats

Human activities are causing species to disappear at an alarming rate which has become a major
threat to aquatic ecosystems. Firstly, the invasion of exotic species and the creation of dams and
water diversion have been identified as the greatest challenges to aquatic ecosystems. Secondly,
Changes to oceanic temperatures, acidity, and patterns of water movement, largely caused by
atmospheric carbon dioxide as well as impacts from damage to the ozone layer. Thirdly, water is
contaminated by chemicals and hazardous substances. All these lead to habitat destruction. The
conservation of these requires strict enforcement of environmental laws and awareness among the
citizens.