EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Lakes. As with oceans, the benthic zone is the floor of the lake, composed of accumulated sunken organic matter. The littoral zone is the zone bordering the shore; light penetrates easily and aquatic plants thrive.

Detailed explanation-2: -Benthos are bottom-dwelling organisms, such as mussels, worms, and barnacles. Many benthic organisms live attached to hard surfaces. Decomposers, organisms that break down dead organisms, are also a type of aquatic organism.

Detailed explanation-3: -An estuary is an area where a freshwater river or stream meets the ocean. In estuaries, the salty ocean mixes with a freshwater river, resulting in brackish water. Brackish water is somewhat salty, but not as salty as the ocean. An estuary may also be called a bay, lagoon, sound, or slough.

Detailed explanation-4: -Phytoplankton produce most of the food for an aquatic ecosystem.