Developing Ecological Awareness through Literacy and

Science Education

Learning about the different aquatic ecosystems and the variety of biotic and

abiotic species that live within.

By: Barbara Laurenson

What are Aquatic Ecosystems?

• A Pond • A Lake

• A Stream • A River

A Pond

• A pond is a small body of fresh or salt water that is surrounded by land. The water is mostly still and some ponds freeze in winter or dry up during drier weather. A pond can sustain a wide range of life, from micro-organisms to mammals. Some animals live on top of the water, some live in the water, some near the water.

• Plants and animals that that live in or near the pond have special adaptations, or ways to survive in their environment.

A Lake

• A lake is a large body of water that is surrounded by land.

• Some lakes are salt water, while others are fresh water.

• Lakes get their water from rain and some are fed by rivers and streams

A Stream/A River

• A stream or a river is a long body of moving water. Rivers and streams get their water from rain, but also from melting snow and ice in the mountains.

• The longest river in the world is the Nile River in Africa. It is over 4,000 miles long and flows through nine countries.

• Plants and animals that which live near rivers also have special adaptations to survive their environment.

• Some plants have thick strong roots to prevent erosion and keep the plants from washing away.

• Fallen vegetation transfers nutrients to the aquatic life and the shade surrounding streams or rivers mitigates change in the water temperature, creating optimal conditions for many living things to thrive.

What biotic species are found in aquatic ecosystems?

What Abiotic species are found in Aquatic ecosystems?

General Information

• Although ¾’s of the Earth is covered by water, less than 1% is freshwater, available for drinking or other human or animal consumption.

• An ecosystem is a community of living things and their environment

• Ecosystems can vary in size from a puddle to an entire ocean.

• An ecosystem can host many different habitats.