The two main types of

aquatic ecosystems are

marine ecosystems and
freshwater ecosystems.
Aquatic ecosystems are
generally divided into two
types --the marine
ecosystem and the
freshwater ecosystem. The
largest water ecosystem is
the marine ecosystem,
covering over 70 percent
of the earth's surface.
Oceans, estuaries, coral reefs and coastal ecosystems are the various kinds of
marine ecosystems. Typically, freshwater habitats are less than 1 percent salt.
Marine life, however, has to be adapted to living in a habitat with a high
concentration of salt. Freshwater habitats include ponds, lakes, rivers, and streams,
while marine habitats include the ocean and salty seas.

Marine ecosystems are the largest of Earth's aquatic ecosystems and exist in
waters that have a high salt content. These systems contrast with freshwater
ecosystems, which have a lower salt content. Several types of marine
ecosystems are largely agreed on: estuaries, salt marshes, mangrove forests,
coral reefs, the open ocean, and the deep-sea ocean.

Freshwater ecosystems consist of entire drainage basins as water moves

from land and in groundwater runoff to stream and river channels, and to
recipient lakes or reservoirs. Freshwater ecosystems are a subset of Earth's
aquatic ecosystems. They include lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, springs,
bogs, and wetlands. They can be contrasted with marine ecosystems, which
have a larger salt content.
Frilled Shark

The frilled shark, an inhabitant of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans with a shark-like
head and somewhat snake-like body, probably doesn't live deep enough in the
ocean for most beach-goers' liking. In fact, frilled sharks are frequently spotted in
water as shallow as 160 feet deep. It's frequently described as a "living fossil," with
the oldest frill shark fossil remnants dating back to the early Pleistocene, more than
2.5 million years ago.

Ecosystem Roles

Frilled sharks are bottom dwellers and may contribute to removing decomposing
carcasses. This carrion floats down from the open waters of the ocean above and
comes to rest on the ocean floor. Frilled sharks and other benthic decomposers play
an important role in recycling nutrients. (Tricas, et al., 2002)

Ecosystem Impact: biodegradation

Economic Importance for Humans:

When frilled sharks are caught as bycatch during net or long line fishing, they may
be ground up for fishmeal and fish food. Frilled sharks are unique and fascinating
members of oceanic ecosystems. (Compagno, 1984)

Positive Impacts: food body parts are source of valuable material