Section 2:  Marine Ecosystems

Chapter 7 Section 2 Presentation
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Key Terms:

• estuary
• salt marsh
  
• mangrove swamp
  
• barrier island
  
• coral reef
  

Main Ideas:

• Marine ecosystems are identified by the presence of salt water and include coastal wetlands, coral reefs, oceans, and polar ecosystems.
• Estuaries are among the most productive of ecosystems because they constantly receive fresh nutrients from a river and from an ocean.  Estuaries provide habitats for a multitude of plants and animals.
  
• Coral reefs are susceptible to destruction because they must remain at tropical temperatures and they must receive a large amount of sunlight.  Coral reefs provide habitats for approximately one-fourth of all marine species.
  
• Almost every person has an impact on aquatic ecosystems.  Through understanding how we affect aquatic ecosystems, we can reduce the negative effects we have on them.