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Aquatic Biomes The largest part of the biosphere (the earth) is made up of aquatic biomes. It was here that life first arose, and here it evolved for almost three billion years, before plants and animals moved onto land. There are two main types of Aquatic Biomes: Freshwater and Marine. Freshwater biomes usually have a salt concentration of less than 1%, whereas Marine biomes have a salt concentration that averages 3%. Freshwater Aquatic Biomes Freshwater Aquatic Biomes have close ties to their surrounding terrestrial biomes. Runoff of water from land creates streams and rivers, and where runoff in trapped, ponds and lakes are formed. Also, the characteristics of a freshwater biome are influenced by the pattern and speed of water flow, as well as the climate to which the biome is exposed. Marine Aquatic Biomes Marine Aquatic Biomes are found in the Earth’s oceans, covering nearly 75% of the Earth’s surface. Most of the planet’s rainfall is from the evaporation of the Earth’s oceans, and the temperatures of the oceans strongly effect the world’s climate and wind patterns. Marine Algae are a major source of oxygen for the world, as well as consuming huge amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Check out the individual aquatic biomes linked to the upper right! |
