RNR 1001 Chapter : Chp 8 RNR
Document Summary
Marine systems are divided into 3 major life zones; the coastal zone is the nutrient-rich. Covering 71% of the earth"s surface, aquatic systems on the planet are divided into. Study guide - chapter 8 - aquatic biodiversity aquatic life zones, the equivalent of the terrestrial biomes we discussed in class. Two major divisions of these life zones based on differences in salinity are marine and freshwater systems. Ultraplankton are extremely small photosynthetic bacteria that are important primary producers in the ocean"s surface waters. Further up the aquatic trophic web fish, turtles, whales, dolphins, etc. , strong swimmers that are known as nekton. Of course there are also huge populations of decomposers, as we have talked about in class, particularly at the bottom of most aquatic systems. It is highly productive because of the runoff of nutrients from the land, and contains 90% of all known marine species and most of the world"s important fisheries.
