What's an Aquatic Ecosystem?

An aquatic ecosystem is an ecosystem in a body of water. They are contrasted with terrestrial ecosystems which are those found on land. Communities of organisms that are dependent on each other and on their environment live in aquatic ecosystems.

What is in an aquatic ecosystem?

Aquatic ecosystems include oceans, lakes, rivers, streams, estuaries, and wetlands. Within these aquatic ecosystems are living things that depend on the water for survival, such as fish, plants, and microorganisms. These ecosystems are very fragile and can be easily disturbed by pollution.

What is an example of an aquatic ecosystem?

Wetlands, rivers, lakes, and coastal estuaries are all aquatic ecosystems—critical elements of Earth's dynamic processes and essential to human economies and health.