Evaluate the similarities and differences between marine and freshwater ecosystems of the biosphere

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Both systems have many things in common. A photic zone where photosynthesis occurs and supports abundant life is found in both marine and freshwater ecosystems. There may be more biodiversity closer to shore in both cases, where nutrient-rich runoff from land and a greater variety of plant life may be found supporting the ecosystem. And if a lake is deep enough to have a profundal zone out of the reach of solar energy, it will have low productivity and low biodiversity as seen in deeper open ocean areas. Marine and freshwater ecosystems differ in that lakes, due to relatively smaller size than oceans, are largely unaffected by tidal influence (with the possible exception of the largest of lakes such as Lake Superior). Therefore lakes will have stable shorelines with more rooted plants. Lakes and rivers will also have nothing quite like the huge, prolific coral reefs found in marine ecosystems.