Terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems are both really interesting. But they have some important differences that make each one special!

1. Habitat:

• Terrestrial ecosystems are found on land. Examples include forests, grasslands, and deserts.
• Aquatic ecosystems are found in water. This includes freshwater areas like lakes and rivers, as well as marine spots like oceans and coral reefs.

2. Living Things:

• In terrestrial ecosystems, you might see animals like deer and plants like oak trees.
• In aquatic ecosystems, you find different living things, like fish, algae, and underwater plants.

3. Non-Living Factors:

• Terrestrial ecosystems deal with things like soil type, temperature, and how much light there is.
• Aquatic ecosystems look at factors like water temperature, how salty the water is, and how much oxygen is in the water.

4. Energy Flow:

• In terrestrial ecosystems, most energy comes from sunlight. Plants use this sunlight to make their food through a process called photosynthesis. This makes up the base of the food chain.
• In aquatic ecosystems, energy also comes from the sun. But many underwater creatures rely on organic matter that sinks down from the surface. So, it’s a slightly different way for energy to flow!

Knowing these differences helps us understand and appreciate the amazing variety in nature!