Q. Consider the following statements with respect to salt content of Aquatic ecosystem:
1. The salt content of fresh bodies is always less than 5 ppt (parts per thousand).
2. The salt content of brackish water bodies is equal to or above 35 ppt.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: A
Notes:
Ecosystems consisting of water as the main habitat are known as aquatic ecosystems. Aquatic ecosystems are classified based on their salt content.
- Fresh water ecosystems- The salt content of fresh bodies is very low, always less than 5 ppt (parts per thousand). E.g lakes, ponds, pools, springs, streams, and rivers.
- Marine ecosystems – the water bodies containing salt concentration equal to or above that of sea water (i.e., 35 ppt or above). E.g shallow seas and open ocean.
- Brackish water ecosystems – these water bodies have salt content in between 5 to 35 ppt. e.g. estuaries, salt marshes, mangrove swamps and forests.
Source: Environment by Shankar IAS
