Basic Ecological Terminology
BUILDING THE FOUNDATIONS
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Ecosystem
The non-living (abiotic) and living (biotic) elements of a natural environment and the interactions between them
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Population
A group of organisms of the same species, living in the same area at the same time.
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Community
A group of populations living together and interacting with each other within a given area.
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Habitat
The environment in which a species normally lives, or the location of a living organism.
Types Of Marine Ecosystems
to dive deeper into the various ecosystems, click on the images!
Open Marine Ecosystems
The first thing many people think of upon hearing the term “marine ecosystem” is the open ocean, which is indeed a major type of marine ecosystem. This category includes types of sea life that float or swim, such as algae, plankton, jellyfish and whales.
Ocean Floor Ecosystems
Marine life not only exists in the open ocean waters, but on its floor as well. Species that live in this ecosystem include certain types of fish, crustaceans, clams, oysters, worms, urchins, seaweed and smaller organisms. In the shallow water, sunlight can penetrate to the bottom. However, at greater depths, sunlight cannot penetrate, and organisms inhabiting this deep water rely on the sinking of organic matter above for survival. Many such organisms are small and generate their own light to find or attract food sources.
Coral Reef Ecosystems
Coral reefs are a special subtype of seafloor ecosystem. Found only in warm tropical waters and at relatively shallow depths, coral reefs are among the most productive ecosystems on the planet. About one-quarter of marine species depend on coral reefs for food, shelter or both. While coral reefs are famous for attracting brightly colored exotic fish, a plethora of other species -- snails, sponges and seahorses, to name a few -- inhabit coral reefs.
Estuary Ecosystems
The term “estuary” typically describes the shallow, sheltered area of a river mouth where freshwater intermingles with saltwater as it enters the sea, although the term can also refer to other areas with flowing brackish waters, such as lagoons or glades.
Saltwater Wetland Estuary Ecosystems
Found in coastal areas, saltwater wetlands may be considered a special type of estuary, as they also consist of a transition zone between land and sea. Fish, shellfish, amphibians, reptiles and birds may live in or seasonally migrate to wetlands. Additionally, wetlands serve as a protective barrier to inland ecosystems, as they provide a buffer from storm surges.
Mangrove Ecosystems
Mangrove swamps are characterized by trees that tolerate a saline environment, whose roots systems extend above the water line to obtain oxygen, presenting a mazelike web. Mangroves host a wide diversity of life, including sponges, shrimp, crabs, jellyfish, fish, birds and even crocodiles.