An aquatic ecosystem is simply a community of living organisms and their water-based environment interacting as a unit.
Aquatic ecosystems are diverse environments covering large parts of the Earth. According to the reference, these valuable ecosystems include oceans, lakes, rivers, streams, estuaries, and wetlands.
Key Elements of Aquatic Ecosystems
Within these watery environments, you find living things that depend on the water for survival. This includes a variety of organisms such as:
- Fish
- Plants
- Microorganisms
These organisms form complex relationships within the ecosystem, with the water being the essential element for their existence.
Fragility and Threats
Despite their vastness, these ecosystems are noted as being very fragile. They can be easily disturbed by pollution, which highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect their delicate balance and the life they support.