|
Title: Even though estuaries support large numbers of organisms, there are relatively few numbers of ... Post by: chubi1993 on Feb 7, 2018 Even though estuaries support large numbers of organisms, there are relatively few numbers of species that live in estuaries. Why is this the case?
What will be an ideal response? Title: Even though estuaries support large numbers of organisms, there are relatively few numbers of ... Post by: thewizard06 on Feb 7, 2018 Estuaries are among the most productive marine environments. High levels of nutrients support large numbers of primary producers, which in turn support large numbers of consumers. The low species diversity of estuaries stems from the instability that characterizes this environment. Salinity fluctuates widely between seasons and from day to day. Temperature also fluctuates widely on a daily and seasonal basis. In addition, habitats in estuaries are subjected to strong currents and lowered oxygen levels, which make life a bit difficult in these areas. As a result, only animals that are adapted to a wide range of environmental conditions can survive in these areas and prosper and this has the effect of lowering the species diversity in these areas.
|