Aquatic biology

Aquatic Biology is a sub-discipline of biology that studies the organisms living in water environments, including freshwater, brackish water, and marine environments. It encompasses the study of both flora and fauna in water bodies, and their interactions with the environment and each other.

Overview

Aquatic biology is a broad field that includes many different areas of study. It can be divided into two main categories: marine biology, which studies organisms in the ocean, and limnology, which studies organisms in freshwater environments.

Marine Biology

Marine biology is the study of organisms in the ocean and other saltwater environments. This includes a wide variety of organisms, from microscopic plankton to the largest animal on earth, the blue whale. Marine biologists study the behavior, physiology, and distribution of these organisms, as well as their interactions with their environment.

Limnology

Limnology is the study of inland water bodies, including lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, and wetlands. Limnologists study the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of these water bodies. This includes the study of both the water itself and the organisms that live in it.

Aquatic Ecosystems

Aquatic biologists also study aquatic ecosystems, which are complex communities of organisms interacting with each other and their environment. These ecosystems can be as small as a puddle or as large as the ocean. They are often categorized by their salinity, depth, and the types of organisms they support.

Importance of Aquatic Biology

Aquatic biology is important for many reasons. It helps us understand the world's water systems and the life they support, which is crucial for conservation efforts. It also has practical applications in fields like fisheries science, aquaculture, and water quality management.

See Also

• Marine biology
• Limnology
• Aquatic ecosystems
• Fisheries science
• Aquaculture
• Water quality management