Aquatic ecosystem

Definition

An aquatic ecosystem refers to a community of organisms that live and interact with each other in a water environment, such as oceans, lakes, rivers, or wetlands.

Analogy

Imagine an aquarium filled with different types of fish, plants, and other organisms. Just like how they all depend on each other for survival within the confined space of the aquarium, an aquatic ecosystem is like a larger version of this where various species rely on each other for food, shelter, and other resources.

Related terms

Phytoplankton: These are microscopic plants that float in water bodies and form the base of the aquatic food chain.

Coral reef: A coral reef is a diverse underwater ecosystem formed by colonies of tiny animals called coral polyps.

Wetland: A wetland is an area where land meets water and is characterized by unique soil conditions and vegetation adapted to living in saturated conditions.