Aquatic Succession In Lentic and Lotic Water

Aquatic Succession In Lentic and Lotic Water bodies Objectives  To understand how succession occurs in lentic and lotic waterbodies To know the factors influencing aquatic succession SUCCESSION • Succession in water systems, refers to the gradual and sequential transformation of these aquatic environments into terrestrial ecosystems. • This process, involves several distinct stages LENTIC WATERBODIES A lentic ecosystem entails a body of standing water, ranging from ditches, seeps, ponds, seasonal pools, basin marshes and lakes. Deeper waters, such as lakes, may have layers of ecosystems, influenced by light. Ponds, due to their having higher light penetration, can support a diverse range of water Stages Of Succession in Lotic Phytoplankton Stage Waterbodies Submerged Plant Stage Floating Plant Stage Emergent Plant Stage Marsh or Swamp Stage Forest or Climax Stage Stages Of Succession in Lentic Phytoplankton Stage Waterbodies Submerged Plant Stage Floating Plant Stage Emergent Plant Stage Marsh or Swamp Stage Forest or Climax Stage In the initial phase, microscopic organisms like algae and bacteria colonize the water body. These pioneers introduce organic material, setting the foundation for subsequent stages. Stages Of Succession in Lentic Phytoplankton Stage Waterbodies Submerged Plant Stage Floating Plant Stage Emergent Plant Stage Marsh or Swamp Stage Forest or Climax Stage As organic matter accumulates, the water becomes shallower, allowing rooted submerged plants such as pondweeds and hornwort to establish. These plants further contribute to sediment buildup as they die and decompose. Stages Of Succession in Lentic Phytoplankton Stage Waterbodies With continued sedimentation, floatingSubmerged Plant leaved plants like water Stage lilies and duckweeds Floating Plant Stage emerge. Their presence shades the water, Emergent Plant Stage reducing light penetration and affecting submerged Marsh or Swamp Stage vegetation. Forest or Climax Stage Stages Of Succession in Lentic Phytoplankton Stage Waterbodies The infilling process leads Submerged Plant Stage Floating Plant Stage Emergent Plant Stage Marsh or Swamp Stage Forest or Climax Stage to the dominance of emergent plants such as cattails and reeds, which root in the increasingly shallow water and extend above the surface. Stages Of Succession in Lentic Phytoplankton Stage Waterbodies Submerged Plant Stage Floating Plant Stage Emergent Plant Stage Marsh or Swamp Stage Forest or Climax Stage As the area continues to fill with decaying plant material, it transitions into a marsh or swamp. This stage is characterized by water-tolerant shrubs and trees, including species like willows and alders. Stages Of Succession in Lentic Phytoplankton Stage Waterbodies Submerged Plant Stage Floating Plant Stage Emergent Plant Stage Marsh or Swamp Stage Forest or Climax Stage Eventually, the site dries out sufficiently to support terrestrial vegetation, culminating in the establishment of a forest ecosystem. The specific climax community varies based on regional climatic and soil conditions. LOTIC WATERBODIES Succession in lotic water systems, such as rivers and streams, involves the sequential development of plant communities in response to environmental changes. Stages Of Succession in Lotic Algae Stage Waterbodies Submerged Plant Stage Emergent Plant Stage Riparian Woodland Stage Stages Of Succession in Lotic Waterbodies Algae Stage Submerged Plant Stage Emergent Plant Stage Riparian Woodland Stage In the initial phase, benthic algae, including diatoms and green algae, colonize submerged surfaces like rocks and sediments. These primary producers form the base of the food web and contribute to the accumulation of organic Stages Of Succession in Lotic Algae Stage Waterbodies Submerged Plant Stage Emergent Plant Stage Riparian Woodland Stage As conditions stabilize, submerged aquatic plants such as water starwort and pondweeds establish themselves. These plants anchor to the substrate and thrive in the flowing water, aiding in sediment capture and providing habitat for aquatic Stages Of Succession in Lotic Algae Stage Waterbodies Submerged Plant Stage Emergent Plant Stage Riparian Woodland Stage With continued sediment deposition, areas along the stream or river margins become suitable for emergent vegetation. Species like rushes and sedges take root in these zones, stabilizing banks and reducing erosion. Stages Of Succession in Lotic Algae Stage Waterbodies Submerged Plant Stage Emergent Plant Stage Riparian Woodland Stage Over time, the accumulation of soil and organic matter supports the growth of woody plants. Trees such as willows and alders establish along the riparian zone, creating a diverse habitat that supports various Factors Influencing Aquatic Succession • Nutrient Levels: High nutrient levels can accelerate succession by promoting plant growth. • Sediment Input: Sedimentation rates influence how quickly a water body fills in. • Climate: Temperature and precipitation affect the rate of plant growth and decomposition. • Human Activity: Pollution, land use changes, and water management practices can alter the natural succession process.