Hydrobiology

Hydrobiology is the scientific study of life and life processes in water. Both the biological activity and the nature of the aquatic environment are of interest to hydrobiologists. The discipline includes the study of freshwater ecosystems, including rivers, lakes, and ponds, as well as marine life and saltwater phenomena.

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Overview

Hydrobiology is a branch of biology that studies aquatic organisms, their behaviors, and their interactions with the environment. It is closely related to limnology, the study of inland waters, and marine biology, the study of ocean life. Hydrobiology can be studied at many levels, from the molecular to the global hydrological cycle.

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Aquatic organisms

Aquatic organisms are incredibly diverse, ranging from tiny phytoplankton and zooplankton to large marine mammals like whales. These organisms can be classified into two main groups: plankton (organisms that float or drift within the water) and nekton (organisms that swim actively in the water).

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Aquatic ecosystems

Aquatic ecosystems are categorized as marine ecosystems, freshwater ecosystems, and wetlands. Marine ecosystems include oceans, seas, salt marshes, and coral reefs, while freshwater ecosystems include lakes, rivers, streams, and springs. Wetlands are areas where the soil is saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally.

Hydrological cycle

The hydrological cycle is a key concept in hydrobiology. It describes the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth. This cycle plays a crucial role in the distribution and abundance of aquatic organisms.

Human impact

Human activities have a significant impact on aquatic ecosystems. Pollution, overfishing, and climate change are among the most serious threats to aquatic biodiversity.

See also

• Aquatic ecology
• Aquatic toxicology
• Oceanography
• Hydrology