Classification of Aquatic Organisms

After discussing the common types of the aquatic ecosystem let us now study in brief the ecological classification of aquatic organisms. In the present unit we will provide you a sample of diversity of organisms that exists in various types of aquatic ecosystems in which we focus on their distinctive characteristics.

 The aquatic organisms of all the three types of ecosystem i.e. marine fresh water or brackish are classified on the basis of their zone of occurrence in the aquatic system and their ability to cross these zones. The organisms in the aquatic ecosystem are unevenly distributed hut can be classified on the basis of their life form or location into five groups.

• Neuston
• Plankton
• Periphyton
• Nekton
• Benthos