Alternative Assignment
Ponds and Lakes: A Journey Through the Life Aquatic
Physical and Chemical Structure
-Undergo successional development.
-Sedimentation rates are influenced by the size and depth of the system, the landscape, climate, productivity, and decomposition.
-After sedimentation occurs, the depth of the pond goes down, which allows vegetation to grow.
Thermal Stratification
-In the spring, wind turbulence circulates the water supplying oxygen to the entire water column, but in higher temperatures, stratification occurs causing distinct layers in the water column.
Light Transmission
-Water column is divided into two; photic and aphotic.
-Photic zones recieve greater than 1% of light and plants can undergo photosynthesis.
-Aphotic zones get less than 1% of light.
-Water clarity and depth influence light transmission.
Nutrient Inputs and Cycling
-Nutrients get transported into the water from terrestrial run-off, ground water flow, atmospheric deposition, rock weathering, and direct input.
-The supply of nutrients into lentic systems determine the amount of primary productivity that can be supported.
-Oligotrophic=low nutrient supply
-Eutrophoric= high nutrient supply
Patterns in Species
-The different types of species increase when the hydroperiod increase.
-Competition and predation can also limit the abundance of predator.
Threats to Lentic Ecosystems
-Limiting of phosphorus that goes into water sources.
-Exotic Species having negative affects.
-Humans taking over land destroying habitats.