Question

Explain aquatic ecosystems.

Answer 1

Aquatic ecosystems are water-based ecosystems that are broadly classified into two types, i.e., marine and freshwater ecosystems. Marine ecosystems cover oceans, which constitute about 64.5 per cent of the Earth’s surface. These ecosystems include a diverse range of organisms adapted to salty environments. Freshwater ecosystems include ponds, lakes, rivers, and streams, consisting of less saline water. Both types of ecosystems support complex interactions between living (biotic) components like plants and animals and non-living (abiotic) components such as water, minerals, and gases. Aquatic ecosystems play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, supporting biodiversity, and providing resources for human use.