Ecosystem in Pond

Описание: Ecosystem in Pond
An ecosystem is a dynamic complex of plant, animal, and microorganism communities and the non-living environment, interacting as a functional unit.
A pond is either a natural or an artificial body of water that is enclosed.

Significance of Pond Ecosystem
1. Freshwater habitats support biodiversity and provide habitat to species that need it the most.
2. Several species live here.
3. A pond works as a mini-reservoir that drains fields when it rains.
4. In ponds, nutrients are recycled and phosphates and nitrates are reduced.
5. They contribute to the beauty of Mother Nature.

Role in ecological landscape
1. The various roles a pond ecosystem plays in conserving ecological balance.
2. They provide habitat for numerous aquatic organisms and provide a breeding ground for them.
3. They are natural filters as they remove pollutants and excess nutrients from water, thus cleaning them.
4. Ponds offer a source of recreation such as birdwatching, fishing, and studying.
5. Ponds support a variety of plant and animal species and conserve biodiversity.

Producers in the pond ecosystem are of following types
Phytoplankton
Periphytic algae
Submerged plants
Floating plants
Shore plants

Phytoplankton
These are microscopic algae that float in the open water and give it a green appearance. Tarry out photosynthesis using carbon dioxide that is dissolved in the water and release oxygen that is used by the bacteria and animals in the pond.

Periphytic algae
They are microscopic algae that attach themselves to substrates and give the rocks and sticks a greenish-brown slimy appearance.
Also carry out photosynthesis and produce oxygen.
Often present near the bottom of the pond, where it can be used by decomposers.

Submerged plants
Grow completely underwater.
Floating plants
These are rooted in shallow water but their stems and leaves are above water most of the time.

Shore plants
They grow in wet soil at the edge of the pond.

Consumers
In a pond ecosystem, the primary consumers are tadpole larvae of frogs, fishes, and other aquatic animals which consume green plants and algae as their food. These herbivorous aquatic animals are the food of secondary consumers. Frogs, big fishes, water snakes, and crabs are secondary consumers. In the pond, besides the secondary consumers, there are consumers of higher order, such as water birds, turtles, etc.

Zooplankton
These are microscopic animals that eat phytoplankton or smaller zooplankton. They float about in the open water portions of the pond and are important food for some animals.

Invertebrates
Include all animals without backbones. Macroinvertebrates are big enough to be seen with the naked eye. like snail, dragon fly and pond skaters.

Vertebrates
These are animals with backbones. In a pond, these might include fish, fogs, salamanders, and turtles.

Decomposers
When aquatic plants and animals die, a large number of bacteria and fungi attack their dead bodies and convert the complex organic substances into simpler inorganic compounds and elements. These microorganisms are called decomposers. Chemical elements liberated by decomposers are again utilized by green plants in their nutrition. Decomposers are also known as detritivores. Water mold, Nematodes

Abiotic components of a pond ecosystem
Water
Sunlight
Temperature
Nutrients