Aquatic biomes and terrestrial habitats are really interesting places, and they work in very different ways. Let’s look at some of the main differences:

1. Water vs. Land:

   • Aquatic biomes include oceans, rivers, and lakes. These places are filled with water, so the plants and animals there have special traits that help them live underwater.
   • Terrestrial habitats, like forests and deserts, are on land. The plants and animals here have adapted to live without being in the water.

2. Light Penetration:

   • In water, sunlight gets weaker as you go deeper. So, most plants that need sunlight grow near the surface where the light shines the brightest.
   • On land, plants can grow almost anywhere the sunlight touches, creating a wide variety of ecosystems.

3. Nutrient Cycling:

   • In aquatic habitats, water currents help move nutrients around. In contrast, land habitats rely on the soil and what happens when plants and animals break down after they die.

4. Biodiversity:

   • Aquatic biomes are home to many different kinds of organisms, from tiny plankton to huge whales.
   • Terrestrial habitats also have a lot of diverse species, but you often see different types depending on the specific environment.

By learning about these differences, we can better appreciate how amazing life is in both water and on land!