Chapter 3.3, Problem 2MI

Summary Introduction

To define:

The given word “salinity” using a book or a dictionary.

Introduction:

Aquatic ecosystems are grouped according to abiotic factors such as water flow, depth, distance from shore, salinity and latitude. Earth is largely covered in water. Aquatic ecosystems support a large number of biological communities. We have freshwater, transitional, and marine aquatic ecosystems.

Answer to Problem 2MI

Salinity is a measure of the amount of salt in a body of water.

Explanation of Solution

The vast majority of Earth’s water is salty. Only 2.5% of the water on Earth is fresh water.

Major freshwater ecosystems are ponds, lakes, streams, rivers and wetlands. Plants and animals living in freshwater are adapted to the low salt content and are unable to survive in areas of high salt content.

Salinity affects the distribution, behavior and growth of aquatic creatures. It affects marine life and so there is a need to regulate the amount of salt in water. If salt content increases drastically species die.