15 Interesting Facts About Aquatic Biomes

Introduction:

Did you know that nearly 71% of Earth’s surface is covered by water? Aquatic biomes are an inseparable part of our lives. Not just they provide breathable air, plentiful food sources, and a place for living creatures to thrive, they also affect and are affected by the entire ecosystem. From snorkeling in a reef to a school of fish going against the current, aquatic biomes continue to mystify us. Whether it’s a lake, river or even the sea, this fascinating ecosystem still holds a lot of secrets. Here, we’re unfurling that will take your breath away.

Fact 1: Aquatic biomes are divided into two categories

Aquatic biomes are divided into two categories– freshwater and marine biomes. Freshwater biomes are lake and rivers, while marine biomes include saltwater bikini, estuaries, coral reefs, and deep-sea vents. It’s interesting to note that both of these biomes have different characteristics and have their own unique way of administering nutrients to other parts of the food chain.

Fact 2: Aquatic biomes possess many layers

One of the most Interesting Facts About Aquatic Biomes is that it is divided into several layers. Commonly, the ocean or lake is divided into three layers, the sunlight zone, the twilight zone, and the midnight zone. The sunlight zone is closest to the surface of the biomes, the twilight zone extends from the sunlight zone to depths of 200 meters, and the midnight zone is deeper than the twilight zone. Each layer has its own unique qualities; for example, the sunlight zone experiences high temperatures and often has very little to no oxygen.

Fact 3: Organisms that inhabit in Aquatic biomes are astonishingly diverse

Aquatic biomes are an extremely diverse habitat. There are countless kinds of organisms that inhabit in them, from tiny fish to gigantic whales, amphibians, crabs, shrimps, stony corals, jellyfish, sea urchins, starfishes, etc. Estuaries even have terrestrial plants and animals that can tolerate mild salinity. This shows the extent of the natural magnificence of aquatic biomes.

Fact 4: Aquatic biomes influence the entire ecosystem

Aquatic biomes influence the greater ecosystem. Various organisms present in the aquatic environment are essential to the entire food chain and without them, our planet’s ecosystem would suffer a massive imbalance. For example, corals create shelter for many of the smaller marine organisms, phytoplanktons produce up to 70% of the oxygen we breathe and small fish serve as prey for larger fish.

Fact 5: Aquatic biomes are home to thousands of wondrous creatures

Aquatic biomes are home to thousands of wondrous creatures including cuttlefish, giant squids, giant Pacific octopuses, sea horses, poisonous lionfish, and vampire squids. Such unique creatures, breed in the same environment with organisms that are as indistinguishable as you and me. This just shows the richness of marine life.

Fact 6: Aquatic biomes cleanse the polluted air

Aquatic biomes, especially the marine biomes play a key role in air purification. The organisms present in these biomes such as algae, seaweeds, and mangroves, absorb greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the atmosphere. In addition, aquatic biomes are the water catchments for many land-based plants and animals thus helping in preserving water quality.

Fact 7: Aquatic biomes produce salt

In some aquatic biomes, shipment of salt is found which is produced by the evaporation of the water and it is further used by humans and animals. This evaporation process is natural but it is fastened by human activities like fishing, mining, and agriculture.

Fact 8: Aquatic biomes also generate energy

Another Interesting Fact About Aquatic Biomes is that they help us in generating hydroelectric power. Hydropower is generated by using the natural flow of water. This natural flow of water is used to turn the turbine which drives a generator and produces electricity. This power is further used by humans and animals.

Fact 9: Aquatic biomes have an annual global value of trillions

The value of the aquatic biomes to the world economy is tremendous. It is estimated that around 80% of the global economy depends on the aquatic ecosystem. This just highlights the significant role aquatic biomes play in day to day activities and how essential it is for our lives.

Fact 10: Aquatic biomes can be easily affected by human activities

Aquatic biomes are very fragile and vulnerable to human activities. Everyday activities like pollution, overfishing, and mining can drastically decrease the populations of species found in these biomes. This disrupts the natural balance and often leads to extinction. This is why it’s important for us to be aware and act responsibly to preserve aquatic biomes.

Fact 11: Aquatic biomes protect coastlines

Another one of the Interesting Facts About Aquatic Biomes is that aquatic biomes play an important role in protecting the coastlines. Aquatic organisms, like mangroves, sea grasses, and corals, form a habitat and surrounding reefs that protect the coast from erosion and help buffer against storms.

Fact 12: Human activities are also affecting aquatic biomes

Due to human activities, aquatic biomes are greatly affected in various ways. Pollution from plants and factories decreases the oxygen concentration in water. Fertilizers and pollutants from agricultural runoff changes the nutrient cycle and directly affects aquatic life. This is one of the main reasons why most aquatic biomes, especially freshwater, are on the verge of extinction.

Fact 13: Aquatic biomes play an important role in our diet

Aquatic biomes are a vital source of food and sustenance. A large part of the world’s population rely on the aquatic biomes for food. In addition, each organism in aquatic biomes serves a distinct role in the food chain and when these organisms are wiped out, the entire food chain and sustainability are at stake.

Fact 14: Aquatic biomes also produce medicines

Aquatic biomes are also a source of various medicines. The plants and animals present in these biomes provide cures for certain diseases like cancer. In addition, they are home to many microbes and bacteria that can create useful medicines.

Fact 15: Aquatic biomes are responsible for Earth’s water cycle

The most Interesting Fact About Aquatic Biomes is that they are responsible for the Earth’s water cycle. The ocean has a profound impact on the climate and weather by absorbing and releasing heat in fairly large amounts. When it allows warm air to escape into the atmosphere, it increases the temperature; when it stores heat in its depths, its temperatures cool and it releases lesser amounts of heat into the atmosphere. This makes it a vital part of the water cycle.

Conclusion:

Aquatic biomes play a significant role in maintaining Earth’s delicate balance. From powering our cities to producing medicines, these biomes perform countless vital roles for both land and aquatic organisms alike. To ensure these biomes remain in steady and sustainable condition, we as its inhabitants must act responsibly and give back to them.