Freshwater Ecosystems

Freshwater Ecosystems Freshwater ecosystems are part of aquatic ecosystems that include lakes, rivers, ponds, swamps, and other wetlands. These ecosystems have unique characteristics that distinguish them from marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Let's explore more deeply about freshwater ecosystems: Characteristics of Freshwater Ecosystems • Low Salinity: The salt content in freshwater is very low, much lower than in seawater. This affects the types of organisms that can live in these ecosystems. • Low Temperature Variation: Freshwater temperatures tend to be more stable than air temperatures on land. However, seasonal and daily temperature variations can still occur, especially in areas with extreme climates. • Limited Sunlight Penetration: Sunlight can only penetrate to a certain depth in fresh water. This affects the distribution of plants and algae, which need light for photosynthesis. • Climate and Weather Influences: Freshwater ecosystems are affected by climate and weather, such as precipitation, air temperature, and wind. These factors can affect the quality of the water, nutrient levels, and the life of the organisms in it. • Biodiversity: Freshwater ecosystems have a high biodiversity, although not as high as marine ecosystems. Different types of plants, algae, fish, insects, mollusks, crustaceans, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals can be found in this ecosystem. Classification of Freshwater Ecosystem Organisms Organisms in freshwater ecosystems can be classified based on: • Energy Flow: o Autotrophs (Producers): Plants and algae that produce their own food through photosynthesis. o Heterotrophs (Consumers): Animals that feed on other organisms or dead organic matter. o ▪ Herbivores: Plant-eating animals. ▪ Carnivores: Carnivorous animals. ▪ Omnivores: Plant and flesh-eating animals. ▪ Detritivores: Animals that eat detritus (dead organic matter). Decomposers: Bacteria and fungi that decompose dead organic matter into inorganic substances. • Habits of Life: o Plankton: Microscopic organisms that float in water, such as phytoplankton (algae) and zooplankton (small animals). o Necton: An animal that is actively swimming, such as a fish. o Neuston: An organism that lives on the surface of water, such as aquatic insects. o Periphytons: Organisms that attach to the surface of objects in water, such as algae and snails. o Bentos: Organisms that live on the bottom of the water, such as worms and shellfish. Types of Freshwater Ecosystems • Lake: A body of water that is stagnant and has different zones based on depth and distance from the edge. • o Litoral: A shallow zone on the edge of a lake with a lot of aquatic plants. o Limnetic: An open water zone that can still be penetrated by sunlight. o Profundal: The inner zone that is impermeable to sunlight. o Bentik: The base zone of the lake. River: A body of water that flows with a continuous current. o Upstream: A section of the river that has strong currents, clear water, and high oxygen. o Middle: The part of the river that has a slower current and more sediment. o Downstream: The part of the river that has the slowest current, turbid water, and plenty of nutrients. Limiting Factors in Freshwater Ecosystems Environmental factors such as temperature, transparency, turbidity, currents, dissolved gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide), biogenic salts (nutrients), and water convection can be limiting factors for the life of organisms in freshwater ecosystems. Changes in Freshwater Ecosystems Freshwater ecosystems are vulnerable to environmental changes, both caused by natural factors and human activities. Pollution, climate change, and other human activities can disrupt the balance of freshwater ecosystems and threaten their biodiversity. The Importance of Freshwater Ecosystems Freshwater ecosystems have an important role in the hydrological cycle, clean water supply, flood control, and maintaining biodiversity. Understanding and protecting freshwater ecosystems is essential for environmental sustainability and human wellbeing.