aquatic animal
Quick Summary
Aquatic animals are organisms that live in water environments, including oceans, lakes, rivers, and wetlands. While life originated in the sea, many aquatic animals have evolved adaptations to survive in diverse water conditions, such as varying salinity and water flow.123
Key characteristics of aquatic animals include:
* Diversity: Nearly all major groups of living organisms are found in aquatic ecosystems, though some groups, like echinoderms, are absent.1
* Adaptations: Organisms develop physiological, structural, and behavioral adaptations to cope with water density, oxygen levels, and salinity.12
* Locomotion: Aquatic animals use various methods for movement, including undulation, appendicular locomotion with limbs, and specialized appendages like flippers or fins.4
* Ecological Roles: Aquatic animals are integral to food webs, acting as producers, consumers, or decomposers, and contributing to nutrient cycling within their ecosystems.56
Nekton, for example, are active swimmers found in marine environments, often at the top of food chains. Wetlands, as transition zones, support high biodiversity and provide crucial habitats for many aquatic species.76
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
