2. Types of Ecosystems
Water takes up more than 70% of the Earth’s
surface. That means that if you divided the
Earth into ten equal parts, seven of those equal
parts would be made of water.
The water on earth is categorized into two
groups: freshwater ecosystems and saltwater
ecosystems.
Saltwater is water that has a lot of salt in it.
Freshwater is water that contains very little
salt.
3. Saltwater Ecosystems
Oceans, seas, and some lakes are
examples of saltwater ecosystems.
The amount of salt in each one is not the
same.
Plants and animals live in the shallow
(not deep) parts because the suns shines
more in these areas.
4. Ocean Zones
Oceans are the world’s largest ecosystem.
Water is deeper is some places than in
others and the water temperature also
changes.
The ocean is divided into three zones. The
zones are defined by how much sunlight
they get.
The deeper the water, the colder and darker
it becomes.
Plants and animals can be found in the
areas closer to the surface.
6. Animals Found in Saltwater Ecosystems
crustaceans
fish
sharks
sponges
penguins
whales
7. Freshwater Ecosystems
These include rivers, streams, lakes, and
ponds.
Rivers and streams have moving water. The
water may be moving fast or slow.
Lake are usually larger and deeper than
ponds.
Just like in the oceans, plants and animals
live in the shallow (less deep) parts. The sun
shines more in the shallow parts.
8. Animals Found in Freshwater Ecosystems
Grebe
Turtle
Trout
Puffer fish
Otter
Pelican
Bullfrog
10. Review
What are two kinds of water ecosystems?
Which zone of the ocean gets the least
amount of sunlight?
Name some freshwater ecosystems?
Saltwater ecosystems?
In both types of ecosystems, where can
the most plants and animals be found?
Why?
