Aquatic Ecology Biodiversity in Aquatic Systems G Tyler
Aquatic Ecology: Biodiversity in Aquatic Systems G. Tyler Miller’s Living in the Environment 13 th Edition Chapter 7 Dr. Richard Clements Chattanooga State Technical Community College
Key Concepts Ø Factors that influence aquatic systems Ø Saltwater life zones Ø Freshwater life zones Ø Human activities that affect aquatic systems
Aquatic Environments: Types, Components, and Limiting Factors Ø Marine systems Ø Freshwater systems Ø Plankton Phyto-algae, zoo-protozoa Or jellies, Ø Nekton-long Distance swimmers (whale, turtle) Ø Benthos-bottom Worm, lobster, barnacle Ø Complex food, boundaries Ø Dissolved oxygen Fig. 7 -2 p. 145
Saltwater Life Zones Ø Coastal zone high tide to continental shelf (varies ex: CA & NC) Contains 90% of ALL marine species (in 10% of worlds open ocean) Ø Estuaries ecotone –mixture of saline and fw from rivers, mostly flooded, supports Aquatic and terrestrial plants/animals Ø Coastal wetlands includes any area inundated with water (through Surface/ground source) –marsh, mangrove, bay, inlet, estuary. MANY functions-filter, nursery, flood protection, Storm protection for coastal plain, Vary in temp/salinity/dissolved nutrients/pollutants. HIGHLY productive Ø Intertidal zones Ø Barrier islands harsh, transitional species, variance every ~6 hrs absorb energy from storms, protect coastlines, constant Erosion = constant change. Early successional plants necessary to maintain sand in dunes. (sea oats) ES!
Filter Feeders In Estuaries • Read Biofiltration Spotlight pg 149. • Answer CT. • Why do some health scientists warn us not to eat raw shellfish such as clams and oysters?
Ocean Zones Fig. 7 -7 p. 148 Refer to Figs. 7 -11 & 7 -12 p. 151 & 152
Coral Reefs 0. 1% of worlds ocean, most diverse/productive support 25% of ocean life. Narrow temp. threshold offset by 1°. • Hi salinity • Hi temp (65 -85 F) • Disturbed easily by: • runoff (nutrients and sediment) • Storms • Overfishing • Warming temps • Change in dissolved nutrients (incl. CO 2 and O 2) • UV • Loss of mangroves (increase sediment) • Coral removal • Physical damage Fig. 7 -16 p. 154
Mangroves • Depositional saline sediment forest/swamp • Fine sediment collected/protected from high energy wave action • Tropical/subtropi cal zones • Prevent erosion along coastlines • Protect estuaries
Freshwater Life Zones Ø Standing water Ø Flowing water Fig. 7 -20 p. 158
Types of Lakes: Oligotrophic Fig. 7 -21 p. 158
Types of Lakes: Eutrophic Fig. 7 -21 p. 158
Littoral shallow, sunny and Limnetic Profundal deep, open, too dark for photosynthesis Benthic the bottom, dark , low DO deep, open
Seasonal Changes in Lakes summer Ø Epilimnion spring Temp/rain =warm, hi DO Ø Thermocline Rapid temp/DO decline, prevents Mixing b/n E &H Ø Hypolimnion Cold, dense, low DO (no atmosphe Exposure) Ø Fall overturn Cools, dense, T disappear, mix DO And nutrient. Fish survive at H Ø Spring Ø overturn winds mix DO and nutrients Lake is similar at all depths (brief!) Fig. 7 -22 p. 159
River Systems Ø Runoff Ø Watershed Fig. 7 -23 p. 160 Ø Drainage basin Ø Floodplain
Inland Wetlands Functions? • 1. • 2. • 3. . Fig. 7 -25 p. 162
Sustainability of Aquatic Life Zones Ø Coral reef destruction Ø Loss of biodiversity Ø Pollution/nutrients Ø Sedimentation Ø Renewability with time and opportunity due to influx of dissolved nutrients Ø Natural purification
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