Aquatic Ecosystem: Structure and Functions

An aquatic ecosystem is an ecosystem in a body of water. And this ecosystem includes oceans, lakes, rivers, streams, estuaries, and wetlands.

These ecosystems are very fragile and can be easily disturbed by pollution. There are many individual types of aquatic ecosystems, but they can all be grouped into two categories: freshwater and marine.

Freshwater aquatic ecosystems contain water that is not salty, such as water found in streams or lakes. Ex: Lakes, ponds, rivers, springs, wetlands. And marine aquatic ecosystems are saltwater ecosystems-water containing dissolved minerals giving it a salty taste. Ex: Coastal waters, coral reefs, continental shelves, open oceans, polar oceans.

Definition of an Ecosystem

It is defined as a structural and functional unit of biosphere consisting of a community of living beings and the physical environment, both interacting and exchanging materials between them.

An ecosystem is a complex set of relationships among the living resources, habitats, and residents of an area. It includes  plants, trees, animals, fish, birds, microorganisms, soil and people.

When an ecosystem is healthy (i.e sustainable) it means that all the elements live in balance and are capable of reproducing themselves.

"ECOSYSTEM CAN BE SMALL AS SINGLE TREE OR AS LARGE AS ENTIRE FOREST" 

Definition of an Aquatic Ecosystem 

The word "aquatic" is derived from the Latin word which means water. So the system develops with the interaction between living and non living under water is called aquatic ecosystems. Wetlands, rivers, lakes, and coastal estuaries are all aquatic ecosystems.

Characteristics of an Aquatic Ecosystem

Factors such as temperature, sunlight, oxygen, determine where organisms live in the water.

Three groups of aquatic organisms include:

• Plankton- Small organisms that float in water.
• Nekton- All organisms that swim
• Benthos- Bottom-dwelling organisms.

Structure of an Aquatic Ecosystem

The structure of an aquatic ecosystem is characterized by the organization of both abiotic components and biotic components which includes the distribution of energy in our environment.

The structure of an ecosystem is divided into 2 components

1. Biotic components

2. Abiotic components

Biotic Components

Biotic components are the living components of an ecosystem which includes bacteria, birds etc. Based upon the nutrition, the biotic components are divided into 3 types,

1. Producers
2. Consumers
3. Decomposers

01. Producers

All autotrophs such as plants are included in this type. Autotrophs produce food through a process called photosynthesis.

02. Consumers

Consumers are also called heterotrophs which depend on other organisms for food. Consumers are further divided into 4 types:

• Primary consumers  are always herbivores that depend on producers for food. 
• Secondary consumers are usually carnivores or omnivores that depend on primary consumers for energy.
• Tertiary consumers  are usually omnivores that depend on secondary consumers for food. 
• Quaternary consumers are present in some food chains. They depend on tertiary consumers for energy.

03. Decomposers

Decomposers include saprophytes such as fungi and bacteria. They directly grow on dead and decaying organic matter. Decomposers are essential for the ecosystem as they help in recycling nutrients to be reused by plants.

Abiotic Components 

Abiotic components are the non living component of an ecosystem. It includes air, water, soil, minerals, sunlight, temperature, nutrients, turbidity etc.

Functions of an Aquatic Ecosystem

The functions of an aquatic ecosystem are as follows :

• Recycles nutrients 
• Purify water
• Responsible for proper rainfall
• Attenuate floods 
• Recharge ground water
• Provide habitats for wildlife
• Aquatic ecosystem are also used for human recreation 
• Aquatic ecosystems are very important to the tourism industry, especially in coastal regions. 

Conclusion

There are many wonderful kinds of aquatic ecosystems in the world, all of them have some truly amazing creatures. In fact scientists believe that they have only mapped about 10% of the creatures that live in the ocean.

However, these aquatic ecosystems are under serious threat from pollution, carbon emissions and over-fishing. It is vital  that we all act now to preserve our world's aquatic ecosystem for future generations. 

FAQs

Here are some FAQs related to aquatic ecosystem

01. Definition of an aquatic ecosystem

It is a water-based environment, where living organisms inhabit with each other and their surroundings to survive. 

02. What are the functions of the aquatic ecosystem? 

Aquatic ecosystem regulates the essential ecological processes, supports life systems. It is also responsible for cycling of nutrients between biotic and abiotic components. 

03. What are the different types of ecosystems? 

• Forest ecosystem 
• Desert ecosystem 
• Grassland ecosystem 
• Freshwater ecosystem 

04. How can we conserve aquatic ecosystems? 

We can conserve the aquatic ecosystem by

• Conserving water
• Planting trees
• Recycling
• Reusing
• Reducing pollution 
• Saving natural resources 

References

1. What is Aquatic Ecosystem: Functions & Importance to Man | www.studyread.com
2. Introduction of Aquatic Ecosystem | www.vedantu.com
3. Aquatic Ecosystem | www.byjus.com
4. Aquatic Ecosystem | www.sciencedirect.com

Dr. V. Ruchitha

She’s a Pharm.D student at Narayana Pharmacy College. She’s working as an intern at PharMSkooL to hone her abilities as a content writer.