Aquatic ecosystems include all forms of life within a water body including fish and aquatic invertebrates, and related communities such as riparian vegetation. The two main different aquatic ecosystems are marine ecosystem and freshwater ecosystem. The classification of freshwater habitats includes aspects such as temperature, light infiltration and vegetation.
This section covers the following concepts and material:
The Lower Kunene River - an aquatic ecosystem in a desert environment.
Source: © Ostby 2007 www.pgoimages.com
( click to enlarge )
The functions of an aquatic ecosystem include:
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Recycling nutrients;
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Purifying water;
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Attenuating floods;
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Recharging groundwater; and
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Providing habitats.
To maintain a healthy aquatic environment, the overall health of the system should outweigh the demands of any one user. Environmental changes can put pressure on an aquatic ecology, for example changes in water temperature and flow, toxins or the introduction of alien species. Human populations can impose excessive stresses on aquatic ecosystems.
