Ponds and LakesPonds and lakes are a freshwater biome that are most commonly referred to in the scientific "world" as a lentic ecosystem*.
Scientists that study these lakes and ponds are known as Limnologists. Many ponds are seasonal, while lakes can exist for 100 years or more. A pond is a body of water that is shallow enough to support rooted plants! A lake on the other hand is bigger than a pond, and cannot support rooted plants. Some lakes are even able to form waves due to their large size! *lentic ecosystem (still or standing waters) |
Lake Zonation
A lake can be divided into 4 different zones:
1) Littoral Zone
-topmost zone near the shore of a lake or a pond
-this area is the warmest because it can absorb more of the sun's heat
-diverse community of: several species of algae, aquatic plants, clams, snails, insects, crustaceans, fishes, and amphibians
-the vegetation and animals living in this zone are food for animals such as turtles, ducks, and snakes
2) Limnetic Zone
-near surface open water surrounded by the littoral zone
-also well lit, and warm due to sun's heat
-home of a lot of plankton (phytoplankton & zooplankton)
-most photosynthesis takes part in this zone
3) Euphotic Zone
-also known as photic zone, or "sunlight" zone, or even open water zone
-the transparency of the water determines the depth of the euphotic zone
-general area of where photosynthesis occurs
4) Benthic Zone
-lowest level of body of water
-this zone also includes the sediment surface
-organisms that live in this zone are known as "benthos"
-home to scavengers and detrivitores
1) Littoral Zone
-topmost zone near the shore of a lake or a pond
-this area is the warmest because it can absorb more of the sun's heat
-diverse community of: several species of algae, aquatic plants, clams, snails, insects, crustaceans, fishes, and amphibians
-the vegetation and animals living in this zone are food for animals such as turtles, ducks, and snakes
2) Limnetic Zone
-near surface open water surrounded by the littoral zone
-also well lit, and warm due to sun's heat
-home of a lot of plankton (phytoplankton & zooplankton)
-most photosynthesis takes part in this zone
3) Euphotic Zone
-also known as photic zone, or "sunlight" zone, or even open water zone
-the transparency of the water determines the depth of the euphotic zone
-general area of where photosynthesis occurs
4) Benthic Zone
-lowest level of body of water
-this zone also includes the sediment surface
-organisms that live in this zone are known as "benthos"
-home to scavengers and detrivitores
Climate Food Chain of a Pond
Pond Illustrating Macrophyte Zonation
This picture is a cross-sectional view of emergent macrophytes (which grow near the shore), undergoing photosynthesis above the water. The submerged macrophytes undergo photosynthesis under the water and are found farther away from the shore.
A macrophyte provides protection for fish, produces oxygen, and is a food substance for some fish and wildlife.
macrophyte- an aquatic plant that grows in or near water.
A macrophyte provides protection for fish, produces oxygen, and is a food substance for some fish and wildlife.
macrophyte- an aquatic plant that grows in or near water.
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