Animal Life in Water: (Beginning) Introduction. It is important for all students to understand the basics about animal life in water and its role in the environment. Extensive research has been done on the variety of animals that live in various habitats under various conditions and in different seasons and conditions. Understanding how each type of animal creates a habitat is important for understanding the nature of these animals and their importance in our lives.
Introduction: (Intermediate-High School Students) Studies different types of organisms and how they relate to fresh water and land. The major functions of each are discussed. Fresh water organisms include marine organisms, freshwater snails and insects, amphibians, echinoderms, protozoa, cormorants, fish, birds, mammals, and reptiles. Land organisms include amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds. Different kinds of plants and herbs can be classed under the same broad umbrella.
Classification: (High School Students) understand the basics about the different types of plant and animal life in water and their relationship to one another. The classification of the different kinds of organisms is based on similarities and differences among them. Freshwater algae are grouped into three main categories: Anemones, Chlorophyll, and Photosynthetic cyanobacteria. Photosynthetic cyanobacteria include the chlorophyll, which produces sugar; algal algae include the other varieties.
History and Evolution of Aquatic Systems. (Juvenile Organisms and their Role in Ecosystems) The study of animal life in water bodies and their relationship to aquatic systems is an important subject in ecology. Many forms of aquatic animal life have evolved separately and are very diverse. Some groups of animals are common in all freshwater habitats, while others are only found in specific habitats. Under extreme conditions, fish can also survive in water. Certain forms of aquatic organisms produce chemical waste in which some land organisms also participate.
Relationships between Earth’s Ecosystems and Aquatic Systems. (Marine Mammals, Plankton, Fish, Oceans) Marine mammals such as whales, dolphins, walrus, salmon, trout, sturgeon, halibut, and fishes, form a part of aquatic systems. Earth’s ecosystems help regulate the overall population of animal life by creating food webs that guide the distribution of each type of animal life as well as providing protection and security for biodiversity.
Aquatic Systems and Marine Mammals. (Marine Mammals, Plankton, Fish, Oceans) Marine mammals including whales, dolphins, walrus, salmon, sturgeon, halibut, etc. form a part of aquatic systems where they find food, rest, hide, and live. A variety of marine animals make up a large part of our ecosystems and are important to us. At the same time, the ecosystems provide a home for many animal life forms and support many species of marine animals.
The Benefits of Installations. (Marine Mammals, Plankton, Fish, Oceans) Marine mammals provide food, but they do much more than that. They act as a filter and a cleanser for our water. They filter our air and help to control ocean pollution. They also help to remove dead fish from the bottom of our water and transport oxygen. Having these animal life in your backyard pond or water garden can have a big impact on how you see your yard and how you feel about your surroundings.
The Rewards of Plant Life. (Lizards, Shrimp, Frogs, Cricket, Sunfish, etc.) Most of us love the visual aspect of aquatic plant life. Many fish pond owners install an artificial pond liner with live plants and vegetation. Not only does this add an all-natural look, but it can be quite beautiful when placed next to the pond or in a larger water garden.
The Benefits of Algae. (Clown Fish, Water Stars, Sunfish, etc.) All types of aquatic plants need algae for food and oxygen. Some algae are good for human consumption, while others (clown fish, sunfish, etc.) should not be consumed.
The Benefits of Wetland Plants. Land plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the atmosphere. The plants in wetlands help to offset the effect of land erosion by storing carbon in their leaves and stalks, and by helping to filter out nutrient-rich sediment from water. In some places, wetland plants also act as a source of food for indigenous wildlife.
The Benefits of Root Systems. Wetland aquatic plants help to aerate and filter the soil. They add strength to the soil as well as adding nutrients that will feed the roots of your vegetation and other organisms. Well-rooted water garden plant helps to offset the effect of soil erosion and helps to conserve the existing biodiversity in your landscape.