A marine ecosystem is an aquatic environment characterized by high levels of dissolved salt, found in or near the ocean.
Understanding Marine Ecosystems
Marine ecosystems are a fundamental part of Earth's aquatic environments. As highlighted, these environments are defined by their salinity – the significant presence of dissolved salts, making them distinct from freshwater systems like rivers or lakes.
These unique environments are shaped and defined by their specific combination of:
- Biotic Factors: The living organisms within the ecosystem.
- Abiotic Factors: The nonliving physical and chemical elements.
Key Components
The interplay between the living organisms and their physical surroundings is crucial to the functioning of marine ecosystems.
Here are some examples of these factors:
| Biotic Factors | Abiotic Factors |
|---|---|
| Fish, Whales, Dolphins | Water Temperature |
| Coral, Seaweed, Algae | Salinity (Salt Content) |
| Plankton (Phyto- & Zoo-) | Sunlight Penetration (Depth) |
| Invertebrates (Crabs, Jellyfish) | Ocean Currents and Tides |
| Marine Bacteria and Fungi | Substrate Type (Sand, Rock) |
Understanding these factors helps explain the incredible diversity of life found across various marine habitats, from shallow coastal waters like coral reefs and estuaries to the deep-sea trenches and open ocean.
In essence, a marine ecosystem is a dynamic, saltwater world where a unique assembly of life interacts with specific physical and chemical conditions.
