The planet earth is a spaceship full of extremely diverse life that can be seen both on the ground, in the air and of course in the water. In this last element is where he makes life the marine ecosystem.
What is a marine ecosystem?
The marine ecosystem is a type of aquatic ecosystem, whose distinguishing characteristic is that its main component is salt water.. This ecosystem shelters in itself an incredible diversity of both plant and animal life.
We go step by step discovering the marine ecosystem, a world full of surprises that goes beyond the surface.
Main characteristics of the marine ecosystem
The first thing we must take into account is that the marine ecosystem occupies 70% of the total surface of our planet. This immensity of salt water has the following characteristics:
- The marine ecosystem is part of the so-called aquatic ecosystems.
- It is made up of water that contains dissolved salts.
- As it has greater density, salt water enhances the survival of plants and animals to a greater extent than other aquatic ecosystems such as freshwater.
- Having such a vast extension and depth, the marine ecosystem has two types of regions depending on the level of sunlight they receive, some photic (with light) and others aphotic (without light).
- The marine ecosystem needs marine currents to ensure its existence, since thanks to them the nutrients that it needs to sustain the life of both fauna and flora are transported.
- The biological wealth of marine ecosystems is extremely abundant, being an ideal space for producer organisms such as plants and consumers such as fish and molluscs.
The marine ecosystem and its different types
As the marine ecosystem is such a vast space, it is zoned both vertically and horizontally, for which its classification is broad.
Depending on the range of lightcan be divided into photic zone the one where the light arrives, this extends up to about 200 meters from the surface and aphotic zone the one where darkness reigns, since the sun’s rays do not reach. This zone regularly starts after 200 meters of depth.
Depending on the depth of the area they can be:
- Epipelagic: extends up to 200 meters deep.
- Meso pelagic: it goes from 200 meters to 1000 meters approximately.
- Anthropological: it is a so-called transition zone that is around 1000 meters.
- Bathypelagic: from 1,000 to 4,000 meters deep, in this area the darkness is practically total.
- Pelagic abyss: Exceeding 4000 meters and reaching the seabed, in this area of the ocean the light is totally absent.
- Pelagic Hado: it is the least explored area by human beings, it is believed that we only know 10% of its totality.
Depending on the proximity to the coast:
Depending on the proximity to the coast we have three types of zonesthe coastal which is the one close to the continental shelf, the coast that goes from the coast to the limit of the continental platform and finally the oceanic which is the farthest from the coast and is located in the so-called interior of the ocean.
In turn, there are five subtypes of ecosystems near the coast that are classified as:
- Esteros: the intermediate zone between salt water and fresh water, this is located at the mouth of a bay or a river.
- Swamps: these areas are formed in lakes or lagoons of brackish water, receiving water from the sea as well as from rivers and being very calm, they constitute an ideal habitat for molluscs and insects.
- Estuaries: this is the name given to the areas where the rivers flow into the coast, this gives it a variation in the salt content of its waters, since it continuously receives fresh water.
- Mangroves: the water forests, these plant formations occur at the intermediate point of the mouth of a river or lagoon with the sea.
- Marine meadows: this area is made up of coastal waters, reaching a depth of about 25 meters, where the waves are not very strong. Its main function is to prevent coastlines from eroding.
Marine ecosystem: flora and fauna
The marine ecosystem is flora and fauna at its best, dazzling not only for its diversity but also for its ability to adapt to life circumstances that would be totally unfeasible for many terrestrial beings.
Marine flora
As on the surface, marine plants and vegetables need light to be able to live and develop, which is why we will only find them in the photic zone of the ocean. Among the main species of flora that live in this ecosystem we have:
Phytoplankton: This species is part of the plankton family, which are capable of photosynthesis while floating in the water. Their importance for the marine ecosystem is vital, since they are primary producers. Their main function is to maintain optimal amounts of oxygen and we can find them in all the seas and oceans on the planet.
Lichens: native to coastal areas, being a symbiotic combination between fungi and algae. The fungi take advantage of the water from the waves to feed the algae and these, through their photosynthesis, provide organic substances that allow the growth of the fungi.
The algae: they are perhaps the most common specimens of flora in this ecosystem, the most common are those called huiro, these differ from higher plants, since they do not have stems, vascular systems and roots. Its main function is to be food and shelter for different types of animal species, as well as a breeding area and egg deposit. Those that we find on the surface are called planktonic algae and those that are attached to the rocks are called benthic.
marine fauna
When we talk about fauna we must know that it can be as diverse or more diverse than that which makes life on the surface of the planet. It is divided into two large groups: vertebrate animals (those that have an internal skeleton) and invertebrates (those that do not have an internal skeleton).
Within these two large groups we have roughly the vertebrates and invertebrates.
vertebrates
Mammals: its main exponents are whales such as: the blue whale, gray whale, killer whales, sperm whales and dolphins.
Reptiles: sea snakes, turtles and even some saltwater crocodiles.
Birds: we can find seagulls, pelicans, ospreys, sea roosters, among others.
Fishes: these friends are the kings and lords of the marine ecosystem, the number of species is enormous, among the main ones are the balloon, parrot, surgeon, chest, sergeant, stone, toad, sole, rays, sardines, anchovies, tuna and others .
invertebrates
Porifera: They contemplate the sea sponges, which also make life in freshwater aquatic ecosystems.
Coelenterates: these are jellyfish and reef-building organisms.
Nemertines: parasitic worms that make independent life.
Molluscs: snails, squid, octopus and clams are just some of the specimens.
Annelids: relatives of earthworms, it should be noted that most are poisonous.
Arthropods: they contemplate the crabs, lobsters and shrimps.
Echinoderms: sea urchins, sea biscuits, sea cucumbers, among others.
The marine ecosystem and its climate
The climate that prevails in the marine ecosystem is usually variable and at times challenging, due to the fact that ocean currents, being in constant movement, constantly modify weather conditions. In turn, it can become so strong that it generates large waves, which can be unforgiving for species like us humans, even in the best boats.
As for the temperature, this can vary from extreme to extreme, this is because this ecosystem covers more than 70% of the planetary surface, therefore the climate can vary from being hot in the equator zone to freezing temperatures in the masses of water closest to the area of the poles.
Let’s protect our spaceship: let’s take care of the oceans
As you have seen, the marine ecosystem is one of the essential biomes of our planet, its extension, biodiversity and contributions to the balance of the earth are key for all the species that make life in it, obviously including human beings.
Taking care of the oceans, seas and all bodies of water is essential for the survival of the Earth as we know it. When we say that we must protect our spaceship, it is because this planet is the only habitable space we know in the universe, for us and for the thousands of living beings with whom we share a home. Every detail counts, from not littering a beach, opting for products that use bioplastics, to reporting a chemical spill in the sea, if we all do our part, sustaining a healthy marine ecosystem can be a reality both now and in the future. future.