Wetland
Land that is periodically under water
Plankton
Organisms that can’t swim against currents
Nekton
Free Swimming organisms
Benthos
Bottom Dwellers
Littoral Zone
Nutrient rich and near the shore where aquatic life is diverse.
Benthic Zone
The bottom of a pond or a lake where decomposers live.
Eutrophication
An increase in the amount of nutrients in an ecosystem.
Estuary
Where fresh water and salt water from the ocean mix together.
Salt Marsh
Where rivers deposit their load of mineral rich mud.
Mangrove Swamp
Dense growth of mangrove trees in a swampy area.
Barrier Island
Islands that surround the mainland that offer protection.
Coral Reef
Limestone ridges built by tiny coral animals.