Introduction to an Aquatic Ecosystem

As described by the U.S Geological Survey, an aquatic ecosystem is a community of "interdependent organisms that live primarily in or on water." Aquatic ecosystems can be found in any body of water including rivers, ponds, lakes, wetlands and even a puddle.

  1. Freshwater Aquatic Ecosystems

    • According to Environment Canada, freshwater aquatic ecosystems can include ponds, lakes, rivers, streams and seasonal freshwater wetlands. Organisms that form a community within a freshwater ecosystem could include microscopic life forms such as bacteria and protozoa, free-floating plants and algae, fish, grasses, insects, reptiles and birds.

    Saltwater Aquatic Ecosystems

    • Examples of saltwater ecosystems are oceans, seas and salt marshes. Dr. Elizabeth Wenner of the Marine Resources Research Institute describes salt marshes as areas where the oceans meet freshwater bodies. Ocean tides bring salt water into marshy areas on a recurring basis. Wenner says that different zones within a salt marsh will support different plants and animals depending on the salinity and water levels.

    Unusual Aquatic Ecosystems

    • According to Environment Canada, living organisms have been found to exist in thermal springs where the water is close to the boiling point. EC also says that tiny worms live in the cold Yukon ice fields, and that polluted water can host populations of bacteria.