An aquatic ecosystem is an underwater place where plants and animals live. The ocean is an aquatic ecosystem that is big, while a pond is a small aquatic ecosystem.

In every aquatic ecosystem, plants and animals have what they need to survive. They need food, water to drink, air to breathe, and shelter to stay safe.

Aquatic plants are special because they grow in water. Just like the plants you see on land, aquatic plants need sunlight, water, air, and nutrients to live and flourish.

Some aquatic plants you see float on the water like Water Lilies, while others grow underwater. Seaweed is found in the ocean, and it is an aquatic plant that grows under the water.

Just like us, aquatic animals need food, water, air, and a safe place to live. They get these things from their environment, or ecosystem.

Some animals live in freshwater, like lakes and rivers. Others live in saltwater, like oceans. You can find a frog in freshwater, but not in the ocean.

Plants and animals in an aquatic ecosystem depend on each other.