What is the difference between a freshwater and marine biome?

Freshwater biomes are found in bodies of water with low salt concentrations, while marine biomes are found in oceans and seas with high salt concentrations.

Freshwater biomes are characterized by their low salt concentrations, which typically range from 0.5 to 5 parts per thousand. They include lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands. These biomes are home to a diverse array of plant and animal species, including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Freshwater biomes are also important for human use, providing drinking water, irrigation, and hydroelectric power. Additionally, understanding the population definition and growth in these biomes can provide insights into ecosystem health.

Marine biomes, on the other hand, are found in oceans and seas with high salt concentrations, typically around 35 parts per thousand. They cover more than 70% of the Earth's surface and are home to a vast array of plant and animal species, including fish, sharks, whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and coral reefs. Marine biomes are also important for human use, providing food, transportation, and recreation. These biomes play a crucial role in food chains and energy transfer, supporting both marine life and human industries.

One of the key differences between freshwater and marine biomes is their salinity. This affects the types of organisms that can live in each biome, as well as their adaptations to their environment. For example, marine organisms have evolved specialized mechanisms to regulate their salt balance, while freshwater organisms have adapted to the low salt concentrations of their environment. Moreover, issues such as aquatic ecosystem pollution can have significant impacts on both freshwater and marine environments, affecting biodiversity and ecosystem services.

A-Level Biology Tutor Summary: Freshwater biomes, found in lakes, rivers, and wetlands, have low salt concentrations and support diverse species. Marine biomes, found in oceans and seas, have high salt concentrations and cover over 70% of the Earth's surface. The main difference is salinity, which influences the types of organisms and their adaptations in each biome. Additionally, transpiration in plants is a crucial process that impacts water cycles in these biomes.