...Freshwater aquatic ecosystem An aquatic ecosystem is an ecosystem in a body of water. A freshwater ecosystem is one of the aquatic ecosystems. Pools, ponds, lakes, streams, and rivers are different types of freshwater ecosystems. A pond is a body of standing water, either natural or man-made, that is usually smaller than a lake. Ponds are smaller bodies of still water located in natural hollows. A lake is a sizable water body surrounded by land and fed by rivers, springs or local precipitation. Rivers and streams are bodies of fresh, flowing water. Negative Effects There have been several and harmful ways that our growing human population has affected freshwater aquatic ecosystems. Whether it is directly or indirectly humans have changed the natural order of the aquatic environment, one such example is when people build dams somewhere in the tropics it creates a reservoir which can house snails and mosquitoes. It can also create a fishery which can accommodate many blackflies for their need for freshwater, but in the process a person done two wrong things in building a dam in the first place. A disease which is called river blindness carried by the blackflies can infect a quantity of people living in the area, the disease can spread due to the blackflies being able to travel long distances and the parasite that produces the larvae may cause blindness in a person. Another effect that a growing human population can have on a freshwater aquatic ecosystem is what scientists...
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...representative natural ecosystem in or near the Louisiana area such as a preserves or parks that are managed for native species. Once a representative is chosen, the major structural, and functional dynamics (processes) of that ecosystem including how it has changed over time will be explained. Next the subject is to explain how humans may have affected the ecosystem, and in conclusion an explanation of how that ecosystem’s structure and function can help or has helped to develop plans for its management, and restoration. The Nature Conservancy is a nonprofit organization that works in different countries and all 52 states to help safeguard important lands and waters for nature and people. The organization works to keep safe the plants, animals, and land free from decay by protecting the lands, and waters humans, and habitat need to survive. The organization also focuses on leaving a sustainable world for future generations. Clean water is a must for humans, and animals to live. Fresh water ecosystems provide water for plants, and fish for humankind to eat (Gomez, 2008). Not only in Louisiana, but also all around the world, rivers, and lakes are becoming contaminated, and this affects people, animals, and plants. Research shows that possibly by 2025 more than one-third of Earth’s population could face tremendous water shortages (Botkin & Keller, 2009). The Nature Conservancy works in many states, including Louisiana to shield from exposure freshwater ecosystems for humans...
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...community is greatly influenced by the social and economic growth that occurs within it. Enhancing a community’s development, through the addition of recreational resources and opportunities, helps to establish it as a welcoming place for people to learn, work and play. We regard this project as an opportunity to develop a concept for a community-based resource, with our goal being to enhance the community’s growth and development. We plan to do this via the construction of a brand new aquatic center in the heart of the Waldorf, Maryland quarter of the Southern Prince George’s County. To honor and identify the region of its location, the center will be called “Southern Maryland Aquatics Center”. Many aquatic centers exist throughout the Maryland Area. These include facilities such as the Prince George’s County Sports and Learning Complex, The Theresa Banks Swimming Pool, and Greenbelt Aquatic and Fitness. These facilities have met much success over the course of their operation, and provide numerous aquatic-based activities to the local community. The aforementioned PG Sports and Learning has been home to various swimming competitions and has served as a place of practice for many local, scholastic swim teams. One of the great benefits of these facilities, is the employment opportunities they provide to members of the community in which they are located. It is these benefits that we wish to transfer and subsequently impart upon residents of the Southern Maryland area. Although this...
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...Marine aquatic ecosystems are considered to be the largest of the aquatic ecosystems on Earth. They have a high salinity and include bodies of water such as the ocean, lagoon, the deep sea, and sea floors. Once of the marine ecosystems that has been a central focus, especially recently, is the Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf of Mexico is located off of the Atlantic Ocean, and it is considered to have a tropical climate. According to epa.gov, The Gulf of Mexico is the ninth largest body of water in the world. Some of the species or habitants that dwell in the gulf are different types of whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and sea-birds. Along the sea floor there are coral reef situated. There are also large birds The Gulf of Mexico produces a variety of resources that we use. One of the main resources is the fisheries provided in the gulf. Fisheries in the gulf are considered one of the most productive in the world. In 2010, the estimated shellfish and commercial fish harvest from the gulf fisheries was estimated to be about 1.3 billion pounds (epa.gov). Agriculture is definitely affected by the Gulf of Mexico. There is currently an area that is called the dead zone. Within this area of the gulf, there is an excessive supply of nitrogen in this area due to fossil fuel combustion, crop cultivation, and synthetic nitrogen fertilizers. With the increase of nitrogen, there is a process that is called hypoxia that will occur. Many people believe that the species in the fisheries will be...
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...Deductive Reasoning Editorial: EPA. Opposes Plan on Runoff Pollution 1. Identify the type of reasoning employed. Deductive 2. Explain persuasive strengths and weaknesses in each piece. Strengths: The author used facts to support himself and lead to his conclusion about water run-off (Oil Spill) Weaknesses: He did not test out any other methods in which run-off can affect our population as far as aquatic life and the ecosystem 3. Clearly identify and explain elements of fact, value, and policy. Fact: Run-off is an organic and inorganic waste that will in fact harm the aquatic ecosystem starting with the simplest of macros including protozoa and reaching as far as the great white shark. Run-off originates from different chemicals including fertilizers and other nutrients for grass and soil we may use. Can lead to human health issues. Value: Saying that people do not respect the value of our aquatic ecosystem nor the overall health of our environment. Saying that we as one should come together and do our part in the environment to protect it from harmful cfcs and chemicals which contain Policy: Environmental safety should be our #1 priority as it is our basis for life. 4. In relation to the above, identify and explain values, attitudes, and beliefs. Attitudes: We could be facing more than just a loss of shrimp the Gulf because of an oil spill. Beliefs: Lead editorial: It’s easier for everyone to be responsible for their...
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...Texas Watch Newsletter Lesson 1: Dissolved Oxygen Testing Water Quality Sampling Time Frame: Three 45-50 minute class Grade Level: 8th – 12th grade Overview: Dissolved Oxygen Dissolved oxygen is the form of oxygen in water that is freely available to aquatic plants and animals. Dissolved oxygen is vital to fish and other aquatic life and for the prevention of odors. Oxygen is transferred from the atmosphere into surface waters, as well as being produced by aquatic plants, algae and phytoplankton as a by-product of photosynthesis. Once dissolved in water, oxygen diffuses throughout a water body very slowly since distribution depends on the movement of aerated water by turbulence and currents, water flow and thermal upwelling. Traditionally, the level of dissolved oxygen has been accepted as the single most important indicator of a water body’s ability to support desirable aquatic life. The amount of oxygen required varies according to species and the stage of life of a species. Usually, dissolved oxygen levels of 5.0 to 6.0 part per million (ppm) are required for growth and activity. Dissolved oxygen levels below 3.0 ppm are stressful to most aquatic organisms. When levels fall below 2.0 ppm for an extended period of time, most fish will not survive. Oxygen is a particularly sensitive constituent because its availability during different times of day and times of year is influenced by temperature, other chemicals present in the water, and biological processes. Temperature...
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...article: Marine ecosystem Marine ecosystems cover approximately 71% of the Earth's surface and contain approximately 97% of the planet's water. They generate 32% of the world's net primary production.[1] They are distinguished from freshwater ecosystems by the presence of dissolved compounds, especially salts, in the water. Approximately 85% of the dissolved materials in seawater are sodium and chlorine. Seawater has an average salinity of 35 parts per thousand (ppt) of water. Actual salinity varies among different marine ecosystems.[2] Marine ecosystems can be divided into the following zones: oceanic (the open part of the ocean where animals such as whales, sharks, and tuna live); profundal (bottom or deep water); benthic (bottom substrates); intertidal (the area between high and low tides); estuaries; salt marshes; coral reefs; and hydrothermal vents (where chemosynthetic sulfur bacteria form the food base).[1] Classes of organisms found in marine ecosystems include brown algae, dinoflagellates, corals, cephalopods, echinoderms, and sharks. Fishes caught in marine ecosystems are the biggest source of commercial foods obtained from wild populations.[1] Environmental problems concerning marine ecosystems include unsustainable exploitation of marine resources (for example overfishing of certain species), marine pollution, climate change, and building on coastal areas.[1] Freshwater Freshwater ecosystem. Main article: Freshwater ecosystem Freshwater ecosystems cover 0.80%...
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...2014 Dr. Palestis Biodiversity Discussion Impacts of Biodiversity Loss on Ocean Ecosystem Services “Impacts of Biodiversity Loss on Ocean Ecosystem Services” by Worm et al. 2006, was an interesting paper to read. The article talks about the dangers and the effects humans are having on the marine ecosystems. It also touches on the importance and benefits that diversity has. As we all know, the marine ecosystems of the world have the ability to provide us with an array of different resources, most importantly, food. Because of us, through exploitation, pollution, and habitat destruction there are changes occurring within the biodiversity of the marine ecosystems. There have been observations within estuaries, coral reefs, and coastal and oceanic fishing communities that there is a rapid decrease in population, species, and entire functional groups. Due to diversity between producers and consumers, species are able to overcome/survive more such atrocities by allowing them to be stable and have higher efficiency of resources. When looking at coastal ecosystems, experiments conducted reveled a fast decline in native species since industrialization increased, causing pollution within waters. Systems that contained more diverse and species rich environments showed to be more stable causing them to have lower rates of collapse and extinction over time. When looking at the larger marine ecosystem there has been a larger collapse in the areas that are not as rich in different species...
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...Freshwater Ecosystem Fresh water ecosystems are very common across the United States. Fresh water ecosystems can consist of several different factors. A fresh water ecosystem will be around a body of water. The body of water is always fresh water, meaning that the body of water is non-salt water like the ocean. Fresh water ecosystems can be around a lake, river, stream, pond, wetland or other (National Geographic, n.d.). Often times, fresh water ecosystems consist of live vegetation, and animal life. The fresh water ecosystem uses the plants, vegetation, and animals as its own purity system and pollution control. The vegetation around a fresh water ecosystem includes different trees, plankton, algae, and others. In addition, there is normally a variety of different wild life in a fresh water ecosystem. Birds, fish, and mammals help maintain the fresh water ecosystem. The human population is continuously growing and as a result the resources available are being used to the point of changing the overall flow of ecosystems. Rivers, lakes, ponds and wetlands are an example of freshwater ecosystems. Naturally, these bodies of waters are important for reducing pollution, controlling floods and the homes for aquatic life (National Geographic, n.d.). Since human population is rising any number of current negative uses such as the overuse of fossil fuels has a negative impact on freshwater ecosystems. Acid rain is a result of high amounts of nitric and sulfuric...
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...Fresh water ecosystems are very common across the United States. Fresh water ecosystems can consist of several different factors. A fresh water ecosystem will be around a body of water. The body of water is always fresh water, meaning that the body of water is non-salt water like the ocean. Fresh water ecosystems can be around a lake, river, stream, pond, wetland or other (National Geographic, n.d.). Often times, fresh water ecosystems consist of live vegetation, and animal life. The fresh water ecosystem uses the plants, vegetation, and animals as its own purity system and pollution control. The vegetation around a fresh water ecosystem includes different trees, plankton, algae, and others. In addition, there is normally a variety of different wild life in a fresh water ecosystem. Birds, fish, and mammals help maintain the fresh water ecosystem. The human population is continuously growing and as a result the resources available are being used to the point of changing the overall flow of ecosystems. Rivers, lakes, ponds and wetlands are an example of freshwater ecosystems. Naturally, these bodies of waters are important for reducing pollution, controlling floods and the homes for aquatic life (National Geographic, n.d.). Since human population is rising any number of current negative uses such as the overuse of fossil fuels has a negative impact on freshwater ecosystems. Acid rain is a result of high amounts of nitric and sulfuric acid released into the air. Emissions...
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...As we go down into oceans, seas, lakes, or rivers, when we take a look into any aquatic ecosystem, we are able to see different living or non-living things, with different shapes, colours, sizes, different structures, compositions, and physical appearances – different types of fishes and species. Aquatic ecosystems, covering more than 70 percent of the Earth have lots and lots to offer. Many animals and organisms live or participate in aquatic ecosystems. We can find, catch many fishes such as, generally, milkfishes, angelfishes, butterfly fishes, catfishes, pipefishes, stargazer fishes, threadfin fishes, marlins, tunas, sharks, anchovies, moray eels, skates, and rays. Also, dolphins and whales, otters and seals – mammals that can survive (and able to live) in water. And of course, reptiles like turtles that can live up to hundreds of years, snakes, and alligators that can go back and forth to land and water. In general, these fishes in aquatic ecosystems have fins and scales, they utilize their gills for breathing, and obviously, they are cold-blooded. This includes the bony fishes (belonging to Class Osteichthyes), cartilaginous fishes (belonging to Class Chondrichthyes), and the jawless fishes (belonging to Class Agnatha). And they all have spinal columns which makes them “vertebrates”. In some dictionaries, the meaning of “fish” is the meat of a fish eaten as food, which is right. Most people know that fishes are only food – white meat, just like that. There are also people...
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...Biology – Module 1 – A Local Ecosystem The distribution, diversity and numbers of plants and animals found in ecosystems are determined by biotic and abiotic factors. Compare the abiotic characteristics of aquatic and terrestrial environments. An aquatic environment is one that consists in water. The abiotic characteristics of an aquatic environment include: Buoyancy – This refers to the upward pressure (or thrust) that is applied on the organism by its medium. Buoyancy is determined by the density of the medium and determines the floating ability of an organism. Water provides sufficient buoyancy for many organisms, e.g., the jellyfish. If a jellyfish is taken out of water and placed on land it will disintegrate by spreading apart. Thus, the water provides enough buoyancy (pressure) in order to keep the shape of the jellyfish. Pressure – This is the downward force that is applied on an organism by its medium. In water, the pressure is dependent on the depth. Organisms that live at the bottom of the ocean experience the effects of extreme pressure and they must have specific adaptations that enable them to survive in such harsh environments. Temperature Variations – Usually in an aquatic environment there are minimal temperature variations to that compared with terrestrial environments. The temperature variations also depend on the size of the body of water; a large body of water will experience much less temperature variations than a smaller body...
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...ECOSYSTEMS PAPER (LAKE TAHOE) SCI/256 Lake Tahoe is a large and a very beautiful lake in Nevada region of the United States. The surface are of the lake is about 191, 500 square miles. The average depth of the lake is about 300 meters. The lake is surrounded vegetation which supports a variety of plant life and animal life. The diversity of the organisms living around the lake is great. The vegetation around the lake consists of rain forests including species of Jeffry Pine, lodgepole Pine, white and red first. Vegetation also includes dry meadows and brush fields. The brush field Ceanothus has the capability of fixing nitrogen that makes the soil of the surrounding lake more fertile. There are several processes that prevail inside and outside the lake. The lake is under threat from eutrophication that can severely affect the aquatic life living in it and the surrounding vegetation. It has been estimated that there has been changes in the populations of the various aquatic animals living in the lake’s waters. Zooplankton population has faced the greatest changes. The lake experiences winter and summer seasons with full might. Temperatures can go as high as 25.9 degrees Celsius in the summer and as low as sub-zero in the winter. The vegetation surrounding the lake experiences these temperature changes and responds to this stimulus by the change in leaf colors and leaf numbers. The seasonal changes...
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...ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT Mangrove ecosystems play an integral role within the stabilisation of coastal intertidal soil by preventing coastal erosion through their complex network of roots (“Teaching about Mangroves, 2013”). Scientifically they are defined as an assemblage of unique tropical plants which are able to survive within variable flooding conditions and withstand high salinity concentration. They do so by a selective combination of structural adaptations such as salt excretion upon leaves, and filtering of absorbed nutrients (“Encyclopaedia of Earth, 2013”). The most healthy and abundant mangrove communities occur in tropical and subtropical areas, between 30o N and 30O S latitude (“Encyclopaedia of Earth, 2013”). An example of a mangrove community presents itself within the Moreton Bay Mangrove community located within South-East Queensland, Australia. The community possesses 8 mangroves species but is predominantly dominated by Avicennia marina (Grey Mangroves) and Aegiceras corniculatum (Black Mangrove) (“Moreton Bay Mangrove, 2013”). The Moreton Bay community provides vital protection and food source for various marine and terrestrial species including wading birds, shrimps and crabs. Structurally it is comprised of coastal environments consisting of numerous river estuaries that extend seaward (“Moreton Bay Mangrove Species, 2013”). 1. BIOTIC INTERACTIONS IN THIS MANGROVE COMMUNITY The biotic interactions...
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...parts or subsystems * Parts work interdependently * Grade 2- AZ Science Standard * Communicate the results and conclusions of an investigation (e.g., create terrarium) * Grade 2- AZ Science Standard * PO 2. Communicate with other groups to describe the results of the investigation. Learning Objectives: * Students will be able to identify two types of environments and list three characteristics for each. * Students will be able to understand the types of ecosystems * Students will be able to understand the importance of protecting and preserving our world around us Sub- Objectives: * To get the children actively involved in the outdoors. Show them that it’s important and can be extremely fun. Evidence of Mastery: * Assignment 1: Students will draw and label what a terrarium is in their journal * Assignment 2: Students will create a terrarium with their table mates. * Assignment 3: Students will take a short quiz on ecosystems * Assignment 4: Students will develop a personal action plan for their way to keep the environment safe. * Assignment 5: Students will present their plan to class in small groups. Unit Plan: Monday: Introduce the Environment and...
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