Chapter 15, Problem 1TYC

To determine

To compare: The main types of freshwater ecosystems. Also name and describe the major zones of typical pond or lake.

Answer to Problem 1TYC

Freshwater ecosystems are small in size in contrast to marine ecosystems. The main types of freshwater ecosystems are lakes, ponds, streams, wetlands and rivers. The major zones of ponds and lakes are the limnetic zone, the benthic zone, the profundal zone, and the littoral zone.

Explanation of Solution

Freshwater ecosystem includes lakes, rivers, ponds, wetlands and streams. All these types are small in contrast to marine (ocean) ecosystems. Freshwater ecosystems have tiny salt content. They are very dedicated and would be unhealthy due to the inequity of algae or bacteria. These systems are subjected to chemical or pesticide contamination.

The main types of freshwater ecosystems are lakes, ponds, streams, wetlands and rivers.

Lakes and ponds both differ in size and area. They contain three dissimilar layers: the limnetic zone, the benthic zone and the littoral zone. Lakes and ponds are the parts of surface water. These contain low nutrients and high oxygen.

Rivers and streams includes springs or snowmelts at the top. The surface area of water is fresh and has more oxygen. They provide habitat for various ecological populations.

Wetlands have swamps, marshes and bogs. The water is mixed with soil and the water quality is low with plenty of vegetation. Wetlands are prosperous and productive. Wetlands are very precious for environment, wildlife, and supply significant ecosystem services.

The major zones of ponds and lakes are as follows:

The littoral zone: This layer flourishes invertebrates such as snails, crayfish, insect larvae that nourish fish, turtles, birds and amphibians. This zone enlarges to the base of the lake or pond from the coast of the profound point.

The benthic zone: The benthic zone extends along the bottom of the lake or pond, from shore to the deepest point. This layer is full of nutrients and detritus and is present in the middle of the water with low oxygen amount.

The limnetic zone: This layer of ponds or lake is open surface water where photosynthesis occurs. It is a profundal zone, where no sunlight is observed.

The profundal zone: It lies below the limnetic zone and it is the zone where the sunlight does not reach the volume of open water. This lacks photosynthetic life and as a result is lower in the dissolved oxygen on which aquatic animals rely.